Myles Cullen looks forward to cycling in September’s NewRoads LakeRide again this year, not just because it gives him the excuse to get back in the saddle again, but also because of the experience being involved in a community event that supports the local hospital.
The annual cycling event, which has raised more than $500,000 over its nine years for Southlake Regional Health Centre’s mental health program, offers a variety of distances allowing everyone from the complete family to the competitive rider an opportunity to be part of the fun.
“Everybody knows somebody who suffers from mental health challenges,” begins Cullen, the owner of the longtime Newmarket bike shop, Spoke O’Motion, the event's co-sponsor.
Cycling, he adds, attracts a good variety of people, some of whom use the sport to help with their mental health and reduce stress. So he sees the LakeRide and its cause as a good fit for his store in his efforts to support all things local.
Work is well underway for his year’s LakeRide on Sept. 22. Canadian racing cyclist Ed Veal will be the ride leader, riding with the participants and cheering them on. Veal is a World Cup gold medallist, and also won a bronze medal in the Pan-Am Toronto
Club riders typically take on the biggest challenge: the 125 kilometres to Lake Simcoe and back. They are the first to set out at 8:30 a.m. The next group to set out are those doing 80 km, followed by those doing 45 km, 20 km and 10 km. The varied distances are designed to accommodate families and riders of all abilities.
The staggered starts allow riders of all the distances to return at about the same time for lunch catered by A Million Mouthfuls. There will also be entertainment and presentations after the ride.
Typically, says spokesperson Rachel Hawtin, the event attracts between 150 to 180 participants. She would love to see 200 take part this year.
NewRoads Automotive Group’s CEO Michael Croxon is an avid cyclist who relished seeing his company take on the LakeRide as its premier community event. The organization has been involved in 45 events this past year, says Hawtin.
“We are really about being in our community and supporting our community and doing what we can,” she says.
The LakeRide previously supported Southlake’s campaign to develop an emergent mental health assessment unit. Money raised from the ride now goes to ongoing efforts to improve mental health services at the Newmarket hospital.
Employees of the company, which includes eight dealerships, are encouraged to participate or volunteer so that riders have plenty of support at rest stations along the way where drinks and food are available. Volunteers are also on hand at the beginning and end of the ride.
To help support individual fundraising efforts, all participants receive a water bottle. Those who raise $250 receive cycling sleeves, a jersey for those who raise $500 and those who raise $1,000 or more get the entire Louis Garneau kit.
Spoke O’Motion’s club riders usually cycle about 70 kilometres in their weekly ride. They look to challenge themselves even further in the LakeRide by pedalling the longest distance – 125 kms.
“I look forward to this event as the final chapter of a season spent trying to improve my fitness and bring people together who share a passion for physical challenges and growth. Being a fall event, the LakeRide offers riders a chance to reap the rewards for all of the training miles and hours spent in the saddle,” says Cullen. “The distance, the camaraderie, and the cause all represent a great occasion to celebrate a love of riding and to give back to the community for a successful season.”
You can register and donate here.
