Raquel Sa, Special to The Voice
The third annual Chatham-Kent Cycling Festival hosted by the Children’s Treatment Centre Foundation is taking place on June 18 at Memorial Arena.
The cycling festival is a celebration of fun that promotes fitness and cycling safety in the community, while helping raise money for the Children’s Treatment Centre’s “Freedom Riders” Adapted Bicycle Program.
This program provides specialized bikes, 10 of which have already been purchased, for children with special needs so that all children, of all abilities, can enjoy the excitement of riding their own bicycle.
Funds from last year’s Cycling Festival have been put towards hosting a weeklong iCan Bike Camp to begin on July 11 at St. Clair College. The camp is geared to teaching children with special needs how to independently ride a two-wheel bicycle.
Last year’s Festival included more than 250 cyclists, with more to be expected this year from out of town who look forward to joining the distance rides.
Recreational and experienced riders will tour the rich farmland of South Kent and the scenic shores of Lake Erie on an open road loop.
There are many ways to be involved with the Festival besides cycling, such as sponsoring an adapted bike, becoming a vendor and promoting your business, or volunteering.
The cost to register for the distance rides is $50, the 100km starting at 8 a.m., the 50km at 9 a.m. and the 20km at 10 a.m. The family fun rides, 2km and 6km, are a minimum donation of $5 per registrant starting at 11 a.m.
Create a team to raise more funds, fun and awareness for the Children’s Treatment Centre Foundation. There will be prizes and recognition available for team challenge participants.
A barbecue lunch will be available throughout the day.
To register or volunteer at this year’s festival, visit www.ckcyclingfest.com.
