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The Villages
Friday, March 29, 2024

Hundreds of bicyclists take to road in annual ‘We Bike For Kids’ ride

Peg Casey, center, sends off riders Ron and Monique Robitaille.
Peg Casey, center, sends off riders Ron and Monique Robitaille.

Hundreds of bicyclists took to the road Saturday morning in the fourth annual We Bike For Kids ride.

The event, which raises money for Project Legacy and the Sumter County Youth Center, is spearheaded by Wally Kurz and Peg Casey of the Village of Piedmont.

Riders came from near and far to take part in the event.

Tom Fernandez of London, Ontario won a ham in the drawing.
Tom Fernandez of London, Ontario won a ham in the drawing.

Ron and Monique Robitaille of the Village of Hillsborough have ridden in all four rides. This year, they chose the 30-mile route

Meanwhile, Tom Fernandez of London, Ontario came down to ride in the event with local friends. He chose the metric century ride of 62 miles.

“It was a bit warm for me,” he said after the ride.

He was thrilled to win a Honeybaked Ham in one of the post-ride drawings.

Randy and Cristie Mask took part in the event.
Randy and Cristie Mask took part in the event.

Sumter County Tax Collector Randy Mask and his wife, Cristie took part in the 11-mile ride.

“It’s fun to come out and see everyone and support this great cause,” Mask said.

Along the route, the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office provided traffic control to help keep the riders safe.

Sgt. Robert Siemer and event co-founder Wally Kurz sent the rders off with a reminder about safety.
Sgt. Robert Siemer and event co-founder Wally Kurz sent the rders off with a reminder about safety.

In addition to sponsorships and rider entry fees, a raffle and Chinese auction helped raise money. Last year’s event raised $14,000, and though a final tally isn’t in yet, early indications are that this year’s event topped the 2014 amount.

After completing their respective rides, bicyclists gathered for a post-ride lunch at SeaBreeze Recreation Center.

 

Bicyclists receive final instructions before starting the ride.
Bicyclists receive final instructions before starting the ride.
John Rohan, director of the Recreation Department, took part in the 30-mile ride.
John Rohan, director of the Recreation Department, took part in the 30-mile ride.
Melissa Gordon, Scott Gordon and Tina Castillo came from Orlando to participate in the ride.
Melissa Gordon, Scott Gordon and Tina Castillo came from Orlando to participate in the ride.

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