The chill hovering around 50 degrees didn’t deter 171 Lycra-clad bicycle enthusiasts from taking part in the Cycling for Success charity ride at dawn’s early light Saturday morning. Participants enjoyed coffee, juice and bagels served in tents just after 7 a.m., while limbering joints and stretching muscles. After a route review, and short discussion of road rules, courtesies and safety procedures, the event began at around 8:30 a.m.
“A lot of preparation and effort goes into events of this type,” John Rohan, director of The Villages Recreation Department, said. “We have a 7-mile race, a 32 mile race and one that’s more than 60 miles. It’s so good to see all these folks out here ready to have fun. We are fortunate to have so many good health-oriented sponsors to help get the races off the ground.” Rohan was himself cycling in the race.
Mark Hall of Village Cycles had people stationed as ‘site support’ to handle any needed bicycle or tire repairs.
“Bicycling is a sport that just about anyone of any age can do. I’m happy to see so many Villagers out there cycling and keeping fit,” he said.
Some of the cyclists who opted for the shortest route were talking about hitting a large garage sale when they finished pedaling. Other cyclists were studying the route map for the 62.7 mile trek, which would take them north onto Hwy. 42 in Marion County; then back through the southernmost reaches of The Villages (Hwy 44) and back up northward to the Charter School via Buena Vista Boulevard for lunch.
Dave Otis, who signed up for the race with two Tamarind Grove neighbors, Lenn Ferber and Joellen Aimone, opted for the mid-length (32 mile) race. Aimone said she glad to be doing this for a good cause — to help children get a head start in life — and also because her two neighbors made her join them. When questioned about his slightly sturdier bike than most racers have, Ferber quipped “bigger belly — bigger bike to support it.” Of course that set the threesome to laughing.
JoAnn and Daniel Lavoie from Buttonwood Village racked their lightweight bikes on the back of their Smart Car. “Biking started for me as a stress reliever when I was still working, Daniel said, I’m a runner too, for the same reason. But I really enjoy the exercise, so I’ve continued to do this for years and years, even now that life is good and we have no worries.” “We took our bikes on our Smart Car down to Key West recently — and had a wonderful time. This is just a fun sport,” JoAnn added.
“I love working in The Villages,” said Sumter County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Robert Siemer, who lives in Bushnell. “It’s not that long a drive to work, and I really enjoy being here. I’m excited about this race, although this is really a challenge for law enforcement. We have eight deputies assisting with the Sumter County portion of the race.”
Sgt. Siemer is standing in for Lt. Nehemiah Wolfe, who heads up The Villages command, but is out on leave. “This race will mostly run through Sumter county, but extends up into Marion County, and for a short stretch, into Lake County as well, Siemer continued. “So we are coordinating route coverage with the Lake and Marion County Sheriff’s Offices. We are out there to see everyone observes the rules of the road, shares the paths and co-exists courteously with different types of traffic along the routes.”
In a well orchestrated, detailed plan, deputies and their cruisers were stationed at key points along the routes, to stop traffic when necessary with sirens and flashing lights, and to ensure the safety of the cyclists and other vehicle drivers. There were many optional rest stops during the races, and race monitors were in place in case of any mishaps or injuries.
Howie Johnson, vice president of the Sumter Landing Bicycle Club, said the bikers were all very much into the ‘Take Stock in Children’ charity they were riding for. “We have members of The Villages Bicycle Club and a few other riding groups also,” he said.
“We have a remarkable program for scholarship and mentoring,” a representative from the charity explained. “We target at risk children in grades 9-12 who might never experience higher education — and we mentor them one-on-one. This is the 20th anniversary for our charity,. Our goal is for them to go on to state or technical college and build successful lives.”
The youngsters must pitch in and do their part. “They must maintain a 2.5 or better grade point average (GPA),” she continued, “have good attendance and participate in community service. The reward is two years of free tuition in this Florida-wide program.” Monies raised are matched 100% by the Florida Prepaid Foundation. Volunteer mentors and donations are always welcome, and the group is currently looking for mentors for a group of young women in the Bushnell area. For more information, visit takestockinchildren.org.
The Villages was recently given the official designation of ‘Bicycle-Friendly Community’ by the League of American Bicyclists (LAB) — the first retirement community to be so honored.
Avid cyclist, David Taylor, who is president of the Sumter Landing Bicycle Club was happy to receive the Silver level of recognition — something members of the three bicycle clubs in The Villages lobbied long and hard for. “There are two higher levels of recognition,” Taylor said, “which gives us something more to strive for in future years.”