How to go
What: Ruth I. Bentley Memorial Ride
When: Sunday, Sept. 12
Where: Riders meet at the Depot Coffee House, 644 Miami St., Urbana
On the web: To preregister or for more information, call (937) 605-2434 or visit www.simonkentonpathfinders.org. Several local business also offer preregistration, including the Depot Coffee House, Peoples Savings Bank and the Champaign County Library.
URBANA — The Simon Kenton Pathfinders are hoping for good weather and big crowds for an annual ride that helps support maintenance and expansion of the Simon Kenton Trail.
The Pathfinders are already accepting registration for the annual Ruth I. Bentley Memorial Ride, which is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 12.
Nancy Lokai-Baldwin, president of the Simon Kenton Pathfinders, said it’s difficult to tell what kinds of crowds to expect. Many of the riders wait to see what the weather is like the day of the event before signing up. However, advance registration numbers seem to be up slightly so far.
“We’re a little ahead of where we were last year,” Lokai-Baldwin said.
The ride can raise between $3,000 and $6,000 to support and maintain the trail, but it largely depends on the size of the crowd. Numerous businesses also help sponsor and promote the event.
“We have got a lot of support from local businesses,” Lokai-Baldwin said.
Riders will be able to choose among three routes. A 15-mile ride designed for families will remain on the Simon Kenton Trail. Two other routes will include a 31-mile and a 62-mile ride throughout the county. Those two routes change each year, Lokai-Baldwin said.
“This time we’re kind of highlighting the western end of the county,” she said.
All three of the tour routes will begin at the Depot Coffee House, 622 Miami St., and riders can check in between 8 and 10 a.m,
Organizers will also raffle off a $1,000 bicycle this year, and participants can purchase tickets the day of the ride.
Advance registration will take place until Sept. 3, and costs $20 for adults and $10 for children. On the day of the ride, the cost increases to $25 for adults and $15 for children. T-shirts for the event can be ordered for $12 during registration.
Registration will include a continental breakfast, lunch, snacks, and sport drinks and bottled water.
“The local people here have just been real supportive of what we do,” Lokai-Baldwin said.
Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0355 or msanctis@coxohio.com.
About the Author