May 9/01
LAND O'LAKES -NEWS & VIEWS HomeBig Bike for Stroke - a bicycle built for 30
By David Brison
Big Bike Stroke Organizer, Cathy Fox
North and Central Frontenac residents formed four teams for the 5th annual Big Bike for Stroke ride in Sharbot Lake on the morning of May 5. Each rider raised at least $50 in sponsorship for their ride. The total amount raised, which will go directly to the Heart & Stroke foundation, was close to $9,000. Cathy Fox, who has organized the event for four of the five years that it has been in Sharbot Lake, said that $40,000 has been raised in that five year period.
The teams this year were: a team of staff and students from SLHS the high school team received the best spirit award for their enthusiasm on the bike; the Lions Club float raised the most money - $3,143; a community group which called themselves Lets Have Fun seemed to be doing just that; and the fourth group was the Heartburn Express organized by Shelly Whan.
The Legion started the day for most riders by serving breakfast. The proceeds for the breakfasts were donated by the Legion to the fundraising event.
Each ride started at the band shell at the beach and went up Road #38 to a halfway point at the Sharbot Lake Marina, where owner Richard Struthers and his staff served re-hydrating drinks and fruit. They then proceeded along to the high school so they could get up enough speed to make it back up the hill. That hill, between the high school and the Seniors home doesnt look like much in a car, but every one was huffing and puffing as they laboured their way to the crest.
The "Let's Have Fun" team just as they reach the top of the hill.
The OPP auxiliary, under the direction of Heather Beattie, directed traffic and escorted the bike on its rides.
Just in case the exertion triggered a heart attack or stroke, the Central Frontenac Rescue Unit, Oso District, was on hand. Bob Young, David Lawson, and Mike Hawley were the volunteer fireman manning the unit. No one needed their services.
Cathy Fox was very pleased with the way the event went, There were no troubles and it went off without a hitch. We had representatives from all over North and Central Frontenac and the cooperation from the Legion was, as usual, much appreciated. They, along with the Lions Club, really help in organizing community events like this one.
Some of the "Let's Have Fun" team at the
Sharbot Lake Marina.
Owner Richard Struthers, Shawn Struthers, and Jarred Gilliam. Front row, Chris Bertrim, Cheryl Bertrim and Chris Leger.
Dan Bush serving breakfast at the Legion.
