A whole lot of wheels will be in motion on Saturday, August 23 to raise money for Lindsay’s homeless shelter, and there’s still time to register for the 22nd annual Kawartha Lakes Classic Cycling Tour.
This year’s fundraiser kicks off in Oakwood at the Oakwood Lions Mariposa Community Hall, located at 1008 Eldon Road.
Cyclists can choose from five routes: 20 kilometres (with road or trail options), 50 kilometres, 70 kilometre (gravel), 100 kilometres, and 160 kilometres. Routes will have staggered start times from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. depending on length.
Organized by the Kawartha Cycling Club in partnership with APCH and sponsored by Boston Pizza’s Lindsay location, all proceeds from the event support emergency shelter services for individuals and families in Kawartha Lakes and the County of Haliburton experiencing homelessness.
Jen Lopinski of APCH told kawarthaNOW that organizers hope to have 200 cyclists participating in this year’s event.
“We are at about 127 at the moment with a week to go,” she said. “The best outcome is that we have terrific cycling weather for event day and that our participants enjoy the routes and the new venue in Oakwood.”
“Our goal is to raise over $50,000 so that we can continue to support as many people as we can that are experiencing a housing crisis,” Lopinski said. Last year’s event raised a total of $40,000 for APCH.
To kick off the day, Westerby Entertainment will provide energizing music to get everyone revved up to ride. Participants will enjoy a post-ride lunch featuring pizza and Caesar salad from Boston Pizza Lindsay and dessert from Kawartha Wholesale Bakery.
The Oakwood & District Lions Club will offer a cash bar after the ride is over, with all proceeds also supporting APCH.
Advance registration is $100 until event day, when it increases to $120. Students pay $50 and youth pay $15 regardless of when they register. In-person registration will also be available on event day on site at the Oakwood Lions Mariposa Community Hall.
To make the event part of a full weekend, participating cyclists can also take advantage of a special combo package that includes 10 per cent off accommodations at Days Inn & Suites in Lindsay and two free tickets to a performance at Grove Theatre in Fenelon Falls.
Riders who choose to raise funds as well as register will receive custom event cycling socks and NiteRider bike lights.
The event, with its varied routes and distances, is suitable for seasoned cyclists and recreational riders alike, APCH noted.
To learn more about the event and to register, visit kawarthaclassic.com or email Lopinski at kawarthaclassic@apch.ca.
As well as providing emergency shelter to those experiencing homelessness in Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton County, ACPH also offers drop-in services to those at risk of homelessness. Clients can access shower, laundry, and bathroom facilities, as well as one meal a day, while working with staff to build a housing plan that leads to improved housing stability.
