Perfect conditions for United Way Bike Ride

ST. PETER May 18, 2008 01:51 am

— It was unanimous Saturday: The five different routes for the annual United Way Bike Ride and Rally are something to be savored.
The third annual event — sponsored by The Spoke bike shop, the United Way, the St. Peter Recreation Department and the St. Peter Police Department — featured courses for just about everyone. There were 3-mile and 6-mile treks for the beginner and recreational riders, along with 22-mile, 35-mile and 60-mile rides for the more serious bikers.
The weather also cooperated as the sun was out all morning and afternoon and temperatures climbed into the 70s.
Pam Olson, a co-owner of The Spoke and the event organizer, said the intent of the ride-and-rally is three-fold: To raise money for the United Way, to showcase the bike trails in St. Peter, and to promote bicycling as an excellent way to exercise and have fun.
Cyclists started as early as 8 a.m. on the long course and as late as noon for the shorter rides. Everyone ended up back at the starting point at the St. Peter Catholic Church parking lot for the post-ride rally. The rally was geared mostly toward families with activities for kids, concessions, safety bike inspections, tours of emergency vehicles (ambulance, police car, fire truck) and helmet sales for just $7 a piece provided by Immanuel St. Joseph’s Hospital.
Guy Beck and his 14-year-old daughter, Brittany, came down from Jordan to participate in the ride and raved about the course afterward.
“It was perfect,” he said. “The weather was nice, the roads were flat and well-paved. We had a great time.”

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Photos

Jordan residents Guy Beck (left) and his daughter Brittany cruised toward a rest stop Saturday during their 22-mile bike ride. Guy Beck is in the process of organizing a youth cycling club in the River Valley area surrounding Jordan. The Free Press

Karre Warzecha and her father, Jerry, used a tandem bike to cruise through the rolling farm land northwest of St. Peter Saturday. Two other Warzechas — Trevor and Rene — also participated in the event. The Free Press

United Way Bike Ride and Rally organizer Pam Olson chats with a participant at the conclusion of his ride Saturday morning in and around St. Peter. The Free Press

Shari Germscheid (left), a nurse practitioner for the St. Peter Clinic, fits Bailey Tolzmann for a new bike helmet with dad, Carl Gessner (right), supervising. The United Way Bike Ride and Rally drew nearly 100 riders and family members to St. Peter Saturday. The Free Press

Gustavus Adolphus senior Gretchen Taylor (left) and Trish Bendtsen greeted cyclists who took time out at a rest stop in Scandia for healthy snacks and cool refreshments. Three of the five United Way Bike Ride courses converged at the Scandia Grove Church rest stop. The Free Press