Rick Goodfellow explained that about a year ago, a group of individuals in Fergus communicated with the Centre Wellington Food Bank, with idea of using a bicycle ride to raise funds for the food bank.
“It was a wonderful idea.”
Goodfellow said he was brought on board because of his extensive cycling experience “… as the guy on the route.”
He said organizers have been plugging on relentlessly over the past year.
“It’s something that involves a lot of crossing of t’s and dotting of i’s just to make sure everything falls into place.”
“Today is our first annual ride.”
He noted the help of an individual in Waterloo who operates a similar tour in that region.
“He certainly gave us assistance in that regard.”
Goodfellow remarked on the two routes of the day – approximatley 45 and 70 kilometres.
Both rides began and ended at Centre Wellington District High School in Fergus.
The school provided the facilities for both the registration and lunch at the end of the ride.
“I’m sure it’s going to be a success.”
He was encouraged by the participation in spite of the grey skies.
Only one preregistered rider did not attend the event.
“In an ideal world we would have had 75 to 90.”
Earlier that morning in preparation for the ride, Goodfellow outlined the markings of the route and offered a bit of friendly advice as well.
“Please obey all lights and signals.”
He added that while most riders are likely already aware, if someone goes through a stop sign or lights, that person could conceivably be ticketed and that fine applied against your driving insurance.
“These are vehicles under the Highway Traffic Act,” Goodfellow said.
On a final note, “I’ve been fortunate enough to bicycle thousands of miles in several different countries. I’d never really had a close call. Low and behold about three weeks ago on the Middelbrook Road near Elora.”
He and a friend were cycling two abreast, something which he only advises if the road is clear, there is no traffic and there are good sight lines.
Goodfellow said that he and his friend were on the roadway with no traffic and what seemed to be an empty road.
“This person bombed by very quickly and broke the mirror. Another few inches and it could have been very awkward,” Goodfellow said.
“Don’t take anything for granted.”
While there are individuals comfortable riding in tight quarters, he still advised leaving more room between riders.
“Otherwise, please ride single file,” he stressed.
Mayor Joanne Ross-Zuj spoke briefly prior to the launch of the ride offering best wishes to the riders.
“I’m very pleased that this is the cause that you’ve chosen to ride today for [the Centre Wellington Food Bank].”
Ross-Zuj commented that the client list is increasing, although the program is improving.
“It’s with your help we can keep providing this essential service to many people in our community.”
“I can’t thank you enough for taking this ride today for such a great cause.”
Linne Thomson, one of the organizers of the event commented.
“The ride is over for this year. It went very well and we are both exultant and exhausted.”
Thomson added “We had 59 registered riders, 56 of whom actually showed up to ride. It was a good start for the first year.” Roughly 41 volunteers were present including route marshals, water station personnel, registrars, food bank representatives and sponsors.
