“The old song says “The best things in life are free!” and this is true of one of the best things about summer in Lawrence, the Central Rotary Community Bike Ride, July 20 at the Rotary Arboretum by the YSC Soccer fields at Clinton Park. With no charge of any kind to participants, the Ride offers a morning of family fun and outdoor activity, as well as promoting safe cycling.
Cyclists have three rides to choose from, all traveling along the South Lawrence Trafficway bike path, a wide paved surface that is “car-free.”
- The first ride begins at 8 a.m. and is a 10-mile ride that travels near I-70 and back.
- A three-mile family ride begins at 8:30 a.m. and goes to the Clinton Lake Overlook and back.
- A one-mile easy loop is available between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. and circles around the arboretum. It also accommodates those who’d just like a brisk walk.
Participants also receive, while supplies last, free t-shirts, helmets, drinks from McDonalds, healthy snacks from the Merc, and free bike tune-ups from on site mechanics. Jim Whittaker, who leads GP VeloTek which is staffing and supporting the Ride, is working on getting free chair massages for cyclists. Cycling experts will conduct “training wheel take-off,” helping the youngest riders learn to ride without training wheels when they’re ready. Safe Kids of Douglas County with Lawrence Memorial Hospital will provide cycling safety tips for kids of all ages.
Central Rotary member Stephen Lane, who has been Bike Ride chairman since its inception three years ago, said all riders will be well cared for, with mobile mechanics and volunteers stationed at the few street crossings. Those in the 10-mile ride will also get food at a SAG (Support and Gear) stop at the five mile point. The SAG stop, promoted by Lawrence Bicycle Club members Justin Graham and Craig Weinaug, will be manned by the Bicycle Club. He suggested riders bring, in addition to bikes in safe working order, water and sunblock. Release letters will be available at the event.
Scott Wagner, also a member of Central Rotary, said the Community Bike Ride was started by a two-year grant from LiveWell Lawrence in March of 2010 and included three parts: building bike racks, creating a website called RideLawrence and a community ride. The Central Rotary Club has funded the ride with a portion of the grant for 2011 and 2012 and is now funding it on its own, as well as installing bike racks in the city.
” We can’t think of a better way to involve families in a healthy, fun activity,” Lane said. “Last year we had 225 cyclists and walkers and we’re hoping to double that this year. We’ve had riders and walkers in their 80s and three year-olds riding on training wheels. Last year we even had a training wheel Superman, red cape and all. Costumes and decorated bikes are welcome. And we’re going to have several surprise guests.”
Riders may download the forms to preregister at www.ridelawrence.com.
