Three hundred plus riders took to the streets Saturday morning as part of the second annual Hearts for our Hospital Bicycle Challenge. The weather was cool and not windy, perfect for a bike ride, as the riders took off from Spanish Springs Town Square. Riders had the option of riding a 100 mile, 64 mile, 32 mile or 17 mile course. The 100 mile course was new this year.
Riders had different reasons for participating.
Village of Lake Deaton resident Ron Hetzel, 70, wanted to challenge himself by riding the 100 mile course. He rode the 64 mile route last year.
“What’s a few more miles?” said Hetzel with a laugh.
Hoping to finish in about six hours, Hetzel said he came out in support of the event because he is a member of the Sumter Landing Bicycle Club. The Hearts for our Hospital Big Bike weekend is produced in partnership between Sumter Landing Bicycle Club and the Villages Regional Hospital Auxiliary Foundation.
Scott Vasatka and his team from City Fire Restaurant jumped on board when they found the cause was the hospital.
“The hospital is something we are all going to need someday,” said Vasatka, owner of City Fire. This year the event offered team challenges. City Fire competed in the restaurant challenge with several other restaurants.
“We wanted to support the work of the Foundation,” said Vasatka. “I think the Foundation does a great job and I find (Executive Director) Dick Campbell very inspiring.”
Others were there to improve their health. New Covenant United Methodist Church Pastor Jim Divine was riding with a team from his church. They have a health committee led by Karen Hughes that finds opportunities to be healthy and build relationships while doing so.
Michael Pittman, the new CCO and Site Administrator for the Villages Regional Hospital, wanted to support this great cause so he purchased a bicycle two weeks ago and after only three rides was doing the 32-mile course.
Determination best describes Country Club Hills resident Patti Saxby’s reason for participating. She was hit by a van near Morse Boulevard recently while riding her bike. Although she escaped injury her bike was totaled. She rented a bike from Village Cycles and after a trial ride was set to do the 64 mile course.
A lot of hands, help and sponsors went in to this event. Quest was the title sponsor. Breakfast for the riders was provided by KR Management and Olive Garden provided a hearty lunch of pasta, salad and bread sticks to all the hungry returning riders. Mark Hall, owner of Village Cycles, provided technical assistance to riders along the route.
Everyone participating had one thing in common; they were out to support a good cause. Proceeds from the Bike Challenge will be used by the Foundation to support the efforts of the hospital to improve patient care.
Event organizer Pat Gillis from Lake Sumter Bicycle Club said he was “absolute ecstatic” about the execution of the event. He was also really pumped by the positive feedback he received from the participating riders. Adding the 100 mile course brought riders from as far as Miami to participate.