The weather is clearing, riders are excited, and The Recovery Ride charity bike event is on track for record attendance and fundraising impact this coming Sunday, Jan. 29. The event benefits Stepping Stone of San Diego (LGBT residential treatment for alcohol and drug addiction) and the San Diego HIV Funding Collaborative (grants to reduce impact of HIV in San Diego).
According to Ride Co-Directors Rob Rubright and Jere Halligan, The Recovery Ride is expected to attract about 300 riders and many volunteers. The event provides a choice of three route lengths (12/25/40 miles), providing fun options for everyone, whether a causal rider or triathelete! All three rides will originate at Swiss Park in South Bay and cycle along the Silver Strand, to the Olympic Training Center, and beyond, depending on the route chosen. Ride-out times will be staggered from approximately 8:00 am to 9:30 am, and all are anticipated to be back to the finish line between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm.
The idea for the ride was borne out of a couple of friends riding together on another charity bike event. “Jere and I participated in the AIDS Life/Cycle ride together and fell in love with cycling for a cause. A ‘recovery ride’ is usually known as a shorter ride the day after a long, grueling one, but there’s obviously a double entendre there. We want to share our passion and inspire others to ‘get their hearts in gear’ for a great cause,” said Ride Co-Director Rob Rubright.
“This will be a fun event – we don’t take ourselves too seriously. The Recovery Ride will most likely have a ton of fun, a lot of heart, maybe a few tears, and fits of cheering. What won’t we have? A lot of competition and a requirement to wear spandex (although we don’t mind if you do!). Thanks to our sponsors, all the money raised via registrations goes directly to our beneficiaries, and – most importantly – stays in San Diego,” added Jere Halligan, Ride Co-Director.
Recovery Ride organizers are partnering with community groups and other organizations to “host” rest stops and the festival to welcome and cheer riders and hand out refreshments. Cheer San Diego Extreme
Has signed on to host Rest Stop 1 at Babycakes Café in Imperial Beach. Each rest stop will have its own theme, performance, dance, music, etc.
In addition to the ride, organizers are planning a “Day Zero” event at the Stepping Stone residential treatment center – 3767 Central Avenue in San Diego – to permit riders to pick up registration packets, and introduce participants to the great work being done by Stepping Stone. The Day Zero event will take place on Saturday, January 28, 2016, from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm; the public is welcome and light snacks will be served.
Event Details:
- Sunday, Jan. 29 – 7:00 am – noon.
- Start and Finish Festivals at Swiss Park – South Bay
- 12/25/40 mile routes – coastal and inland routes
- Participation by partner groups such as Cheer San Diego Extreme, Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, AIDS Life/Cycle, Gamma Rho Lambda and Delta Lambda Phi
- Volunteer staff experienced with cycling events
For more information go here.
