Annual event draws more than 100 participants
-
Cyclists brave the cold temperatures as they begin the Etoniah Gravel and Social Bike Rides on Saturday morning. -
Positively Putnam FL
More than 100 cyclists taking part in the Etoniah Gravel and Social Bike Rides this weekend had to deal with some chilly temps, but the weather didn’t stop the charity event.
Saturday’s cold front meant the highs for the day topped out at 46-degrees in Palatka, and event organizer, Kraig McLane, said he was impressed with the cyclists who came out, bundled up and prepared to ride in the near-freezing temperatures.
“The riders endured it. The runners endured it,” McLane said.
He estimated about 140 people participated in the morning bike ride events and the afternoon race, the Life Distance, 5K and Fun Run. McLane said volunteers also served about 220 chicken dinners prepared by Pastor Josh Hobbs from Palatka’s Church of the Heights.
Although he had not completely finished the calculations, McLane said Saturday’s events raised about $5,000 to benefit A Women’s Resource Center in Palatka.
The organization, located at 219 N. Palm Ave., helps women and families through unplanned pregnancies by providing free pregnancy tests, free ultrasounds and pregnancy counseling, the center’s website states. McLane said the organization does not receive government funding.
Betty McLane, wife of Kraig and the resource center’s executive director, said the money raised is going to go directly toward clients in need.
“It’s promising to see our community come together, even in the cold weather,” Betty said. “I’m just very, very proud of my community.”
This year marked Kraig McLane’s third year organizing both the bike rides and running trails to raise money for the resource center. This year, riders had a chance to experience the longest ride the group has ever included – the 75-mile Etoniah Big Bear gravel ride.
Cyclists traversed a mixed terrain of rock, grass and paved roads while climbing hills and going down fast descents, organizers said prior to the race.
Although Florahome resident Meri-lin Piantanida did not take a turn on the Big Bear, she still got her cycling in on Saturday. Piantanida headed out on the short-distance paved trail, while her husband rode the 50-mile Heritage Half Century route, which started at Coventry Oaks Farm, headed west of Keystone Heights and circled back.
In spite of the cold weather, we had a fantastic time,” Piantanida said. “The event was very well organized with a great group of volunteers and fellow riders.”
Copyright 2022 by Palatka Daily News - all rights reserved.