The Westlock Rotary Spirit Ride had few riders and raised less money than last year, but organizer Ted Brooks says he’s happy with how it turned out.
About 30 cyclists gathered for the second annual event, which is a fundraiser for the new Westlock Rotary Spirit Centre, and raised about $2,000. That is a smaller turnout and a smaller total than last year, when 50 riders raised $8,400.
“It wasn’t a big turnout and I can’t put my finger on why,” Brooks said. “I think it was because there was a lot of rain around the area.”
While Westlock itself had clear skies for the event, rain in the Edmonton area might have discourage riders who were coming from out of town.
The riders who did come out for the event seemed to be having a good time, especially those who were keen to take on the 85 kilometre route.
“They found the 85k ride was excellent; there wasn’t too much for hills,” Brooks said. “It was well planned as far as the route, riding into the wind on the way out there and with the wind on the way back.”
The 85 kilometre route, which was new this year, saw riders head west then north to Linaria, east to Dapp and then back south to Westlock.
J.D. Lien came from Edmonton to take on the long route, and said the reason for his involvement was pretty simple.
“The main reason was just to have a good ride,” he said. “I don’t do rides that long often, but I’m in pretty good shape.”
Cycling is his sport of choice for a variety of reasons, not least of which is the speed that comes with road riding.
“Going under your own power is pretty exhilarating,” he said.
Many came out to enjoy the less arduous routes, as well — many families enjoyed a mild 10 kilometre ride around the Rotary Trail.
“This is a family affair,” said Judy Darroch, who did the ride with several generations of her family, including her nine-month-old granddaughter Sarina Darroch, who was on her first bike trip in a trailer.
“We’ve had a family farm near Jarvie since 1939,” she added. “This is a good way to give back to our community.”
For Brooks, cycling is a sport that works well for this type of a fundraiser because of the wide variety of skill-levels individuals can possess and still come out to enjoy the day.
From the very old to the very young, it’s an activity families can do together.
“As I get older I find there’s some sports I can’t do but I can ride all day.”
He added he plans to continue his involvement with the ride next year, but said the Rotary Club would have to look at expanding its promotion of the event, like sending information to recreation centres and riding clubs all throughout northern Alberta.
Despite the small turnout, for Brooks, it was a great way to spend the day. “The scenery was beautiful. We had some good sunshine, and it was a very enjoyable day,” he said. “We’ll go again next year and hopefully get a bigger crowd.”
