Young's Ice Cream Charity Bike Tour 2008
The Sixth Annual Young's Ice Cream Charity Bike is now history. Over 200 bikers, 40 volunteers and over 20 sponsors gave their time, resources and money to create the best supported bicycle ride in this part of Ohio!
We ride to support the local chapters of our bike ride charities -- The Alzheimer's Association, United Rehabilitation Services, The Wellness Connection and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
This year we created a new route that went from Young's Jersey Dairy in Yellow Springs to Ohio Northern University in Ada, Ohio -- about 83 miles. Most of the riders stayed in Ohio Northern University's fantastic air conditioned dorms/apartments overnight and rode back to Young's on Sunday.
We had five rest stops along the way, and Young's provided lunch both days on the route -- and ice cream at both ends of the ride on both days.
This ride also had one day, shorter mileage options for those who don't have the desire to ride that far!
Each rider pledges to get donations or makes the donation themselves to support the charities. After expenses (insurance, brochure printing, dorm charges and dinner and breakfast at the University) the funds raised are split among the four charities. Each charity supplies volunteers to support rest stops, check in duties, and other helpful chores.
The ride itself is supported by ham radio operators, two bike repairs shops, motorcycles, and vehicles to pick up folks with broken bikes or who need assistance for part of the ride.
Last year we were able to distribute over $52,000 to the charities. We will finish collecting all pledges over the next month or so, but I feel confident we will beat that number for the 2008 ride.
Thanks to all who were part of this ride. You are what makes it fun and successful. We are already planning on the 2009 edition of the ride -- stay tuned for more details -- but keep the July 25 & 26, 2009 open on your calendar!