Hundreds expected for charity bike ride in Yorkville Sept. 2
By Heather Gillers
Staff Writer
YORKVILLE - Hundreds of bicyclists and outdoor enthusiasts are expected to flock to Yorkville next month for "Rolling on the River," a bike ride that organizers hope will raise $100,000 for environmental causes. "Having searched around the state, I decided that the Fox Valley and the Fox River were the perfect location," said Marise Robbins-Forbes, director of the event.
Bicyclists will begin and end their rides at Yorkville's Hoover Outdoor Education Center Sept. 2. They can choose among five paved routes that range from a 10-mile family ride to a 100-mile ride. Participants are encouraged to make a weekend of it, camping for two nights at the 400-acre center and taking advantage of the myriad activities offered. Those include a Nordic walking clinic, a moonlight canoe trip led by the local group Friends of the Fox and stargazing organized by the Naperville Astronomical Association.
Children can participate in arts and crafts, fly-fishing and a visit from the hawks and owls of the Illinois Raptor Center. They'll also have a chance to look at river organisms under a microscope and to meet National Wildlife Federation mascot Ranger Rick.
The event is "a great opportunity for the city of Yorkville," in the words of the city's community relations director, Glory Spies, who has been working with Robbins-Forbes for more than a year. "It's really important that we're able to showcase such a beautiful portion of the Fox Valley," she said. "Anybody that comes out here for the first time will want to come back." Both hope to make the event an annual occurrence.
Funds raised will benefit three non-profit groups:
Up to 20 other environmental non-profits will set up booths at the Hoover Center throughout the afternoon of Sept 2. Visitors can learn about their activities while munching on organic burgers, hot dogs, brats, salad, fresh fruit and cake. They might also want to visit Yorkville's Hometown Days Festival, which is being held the same weekend. Rush-Copley Medical Center is sponsoring the event. Other contributors include local municipalities, individuals and businesses, including The Beacon News.
Funding the partnership that coordinated the event are the Mattoon-based Lumpkin Family Foundation and the Elgin-based Grand Victoria Foundation. Participants must raise a minimum of $100 to participate for one day, or $200 for the whole weekend, including camping Friday and Saturday night. Families and teams (4 or more people riding together) must raise a minimum of $75 per adult or $150 for the whole weekend. Children under 18 can participate for free when accompanied by an adult. Bike rentals will be available at the Hoover Center.
To register, volunteer or receive more information, call (217) 429-1870 or visit www.rollingriverride.com . Preregistration closes Aug. 30.
###