Bay to Bay Ride brings riders together for a cause

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GORE BAY—While the Gore Bay Rotary Club annual Bay to Bay Charity Bike Ride is about providing an opportunity to bring community and families together, getting exercise and seeing some beautiful scenery along the route, it is also a way for the club and the community to support a good cause.

This year’s Bay to Bay ride took place this past Saturday, with three routes for bicyclists to take, starting in Gore Bay and heading down to Janet Head Park and back to the Gore Bay pavilion (a seven-kilometre ride) and two longer routes (30 and 39 kilometres) that took participants to Barrie Island.

Funds derived from registration for the ride will go to new ultrasound equipment at the Manitoulin Health Centre through its Vital Visions Campaign.

The Gore Bay Rotary Club hosted its very successful ‘Bay to Bay Charity Bike Ride’ this past Saturday.

Paula Ferguson, Chief Nursing Officer for MHC told the fellow riders who ventured on the 39 kilometre ride in the early morning hours, “on behalf of the (MHC) I would like to thank the Rotary Club for putting on this Bay to Bay Ride. It is so nice to see so many riders out supporting the ride.”

Dennis McGregor, vice-chair of the MHC board told those gathered at a barbecue lunch put on by the Rotary Club held after all the riders on the three routes arrived back at the Gore Bay pavilion at the end of the ride, “We would like to thank the Rotary Club for putting on this event and for everyone who has participated today.”

With proceeds going to MHC from the ride Mr. McGregor said, “It is very much needed support; it is much appreciated.” He explained, “the Ontario government doesn’t fund capital equipment at hospitals, so all fundraising events like this are appreciated.”

Bob Robinson and one of his young children rode in a tandem bike at the Rotary Club Bay to Bay Charity Bike Ride.

A total of 65 adults and youngsters took part in the ride.

Rotarian Jim Miller, organizer of this year’s event told the gathering, “We want to welcome everyone here for the Gore Bay Rotary Club Bay to Bay Ride. All participants need to know that you are riding to support the Manitoulin Health Centre Vital Visions fundraising campaign for much needed equipment at our hospitals.”

“This year we wanted to make the route of the ride a little more accessible to everyone in the community (adults and children),” said Mr. Miller. “This ride is one of the Rotary Club anchor events held during the year.”

Mr. Miller acknowledged how grateful the Rotary Club is for the sponsorship it received for this year’s ride, including Manitoulin Transport, Breakaway Sports and Noble Lumber.

“This year marks our seventh annual Bay to Bay ride event, and we really appreciate seeing all the young ones taking part (in the family ride) this year,” added Mr. Miller.

Many donated prizes were handed out by the Rotary Club to participants, which included prizes for a couple who were the furthest from home, Calgary.

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