Under its “Goodies for the Gaters” program, the Sumter Landing Bicycle Club recently delivered boxes of chocolates to the 14 Villages gate houses to show its appreciation for the “Gaters” alert operation of their gates.

Gate attendants show off their boxes of chocolate.
Gate attendants show off their boxes of chocolates.

Nat Haytcher, the ride director of the 740-member Sumter Landing Bicycle Club, set up the program this week to distribute Russell Stover chocolates to all of the gate attendants in The Villages to thank them for taking care of cyclists who bike through their gates.

SLBC Officers Dave Lawrence (Safety Officer), John Komoroske (President) and Nat Haytcher (Ride Director) kicked the "Goodies for the Gaters" program off officially by delivereing a box of chocolates to Nehemiah Wolfe, the new head of Community Watch, and Jeff Holland, Ops Director, to share with headquarters staff managing the Gaters program.
SLBC Officers Dave Lawrence (Safety Officer), John Komoroske (President) and Nat Haytcher (Ride Director) kicked the “Goodies for the Gaters” program off officially by delivereing a box of chocolates to Nehemiah Wolfe, the new head of Community Watch, and Jeff Holland, Ops Director, to share with headquarters staff managing the Gaters program.

Cyclists point out that they ride “topless” – without a protective roof – and so are at greater risk from a mistimed gate.

The 1.5-pound boxes of chocolates were delivered to the gate houses this week. The club chose to give Russell Stover chocolates because their company store on State Road 44 is a frequent and popular stop on club rides out in the country west of The Villages, and members appreciate their hospitality.

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