HOPE — Bicyclists will be able to take a scenic ride through Bartholomew County for the 31st time as part of an annual event that benefits food pantries and other youth programs.
The Sept. 22 Hope Ride, which starts and ends in Hope, will bring riders past sites such as Anderson Falls Park, Red Dog’s Petting Zoo and Mennonite homesteads, event organizer and founder Paul Ashbrook said.
About 2,000 people from across the region — including Illinois and Tennessee — are expected to participate, Ashbrook said.
The annual ride is expected to bring 2,000 people from across the region this year, Ashbrook said.
[sc:text-divider text-divider-title=”Story continues below gallery” ]Click here to purchase photos from this gallery
Giving back to organizations is a primary reason the Hope Ride is held rain or shine, he said.
“It’s been a tradition in the community,” Ashbrook said. “We had a nice place to ride bikes. I thought it was a good chance to show off what we had.”
Ashbrook expects this year’s Hope Ride to generate $15,000 to $20,000 that will support food pantries, Boy Scout troops and sports teams, for example. The ride also benefits Hauser High School’s Dollar for Scholars program to assist students with financial needs, he said.
“I think it’s important that they’re valued,” Ashbrook said.
Riders will have the option of choosing from four rides of varying travel distances, ranging from 13 miles to 100 miles. The routes change each year to give riders a new experience, including some twists and turns, Ashbrook said.
“If they feel adventurous, they can do 50 (miles),” the second-longest of the four distance options, Ashbrook said. “It’s kind of a rite of passage to do 100 miles.”
Teams are encouraged to bring as many riders as possible, with the largest team of riders winning the $1,000 top prize that is given to a food pantry of the riders’ choice. Second- and third-place teams will win $500 and $250, respectively, for a designated food pantry, Ashbrook said.
Music, a pancake breakfast from the Hope Volunteer Fire Department, lunch and root beer floats will be a part of this year’s ride.
“It’s a good, wholesome event” and “a nice opportunity for families to ride together,” Ashbrook said.
[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”Hope Ride schedule” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
Registration, 7:30 to 9 a.m.
Breakfast, 7 to 9 a.m.
Riding, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Riders must start by 9 a.m.
Lunch on the Hope Town Square, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Root Beer Floats served after the ride.
Showers available until 3 p.m.
Bicycle support service ends at 3 p.m.
Participants will have the option of participating in one of four rides at 30 per person, or $10 for individuals 14 and younger.
- 13-Mile Li’l Calf Tour
- 25-Mile Milk Cow Ramble
- 50-Mile Happy Heifer
- 100 Miles of Bull
For more information on the Hope Ride and registration, visit hoperide.org.
[sc:pullout-text-end]
