St. Luke's Church Organizes Charity Bike Ride Around The Lake
By NICHOLAS L. DEAN
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8/1/2007 - What started as one man's self challenge to cycle around Chautauqua Lake has become an annual event for St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Jamestown, which uses the bike ride as a way to raise money for Episcopal Community Services.
Entering its sixth year, the 2007 Loop The Lake event is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 4. Cyclists interested in participating can obtain registration forms from St. Luke's, Jamestown Cycle Shop or Hollyloft Ski & Bike.
''There's really two reasons for it,'' said Rev. Eric M. Williams, rector of St. Luke's, who began the event five years ago. ''St. Luke's has a long commitment to community involvement and so this is a way for us to be involved in the community by raising money for Episcopal Community Services. Additionally, St. Luke's has also been committed to events that promote wellness and health, and this bike ride fits nicely into our desire to do that.''
Though there is no cost to ride, all registrants are asked to obtain sponsors for the event. According to Williams, all amounts are welcome — from $10 to $1,000. Loop the Lake riders will receive a free T-shirt, free water and snacks during the ride, and a free lunch at the event's end.
Proceeds raised through the ride are donated to Episcopal Community Services, which provides food, shelter, counseling and other services to those who utilize its 15 member agencies in Western New York. Comparing Episcopal Community Services to Catholic Charities, Williams described the organization as the charitable arm of the Diocese of Western New York
''The most important benefit,'' Williams said of participating in the event ''will be knowing you have helped those in need.''
Participating cyclists will leave from St. Luke's Episcopal Church at 9 a.m. Final registration for those interested in participating will begin at 8:30 a.m. that morning. Depending on the speed of the cyclist, the 43-mile trek can take anywhere from two to four hours.
''Experienced cyclists love this event because the hills are gentle,'' Williams said. ''There are a couple of pretty decent hills around the lake, but nothing that an average or just generally recreational cyclist can't handle. There are no really killer hills and it's a beautiful ride with a beautiful view of the lake. Every time you go up a hill, you gain a beautiful vista over the lake — so it's worth the climb.''
In addition to Hollyloft Ski & Bike and Jamestown Cycle Shop, the event is sponsored by Food Is Good. Helmets are required for the ride.
St. Luke's Episcopal Church is located at 410 N. Main St. in Jamestown and can be reached by calling 483-6405. For more on Loop The Lake or to download a registration form, visit www.wingedox.com.
Entering its sixth year, the 2007 Loop The Lake event is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 4. Cyclists interested in participating can obtain registration forms from St. Luke's, Jamestown Cycle Shop or Hollyloft Ski & Bike.
''There's really two reasons for it,'' said Rev. Eric M. Williams, rector of St. Luke's, who began the event five years ago. ''St. Luke's has a long commitment to community involvement and so this is a way for us to be involved in the community by raising money for Episcopal Community Services. Additionally, St. Luke's has also been committed to events that promote wellness and health, and this bike ride fits nicely into our desire to do that.''
Though there is no cost to ride, all registrants are asked to obtain sponsors for the event. According to Williams, all amounts are welcome — from $10 to $1,000. Loop the Lake riders will receive a free T-shirt, free water and snacks during the ride, and a free lunch at the event's end.
Proceeds raised through the ride are donated to Episcopal Community Services, which provides food, shelter, counseling and other services to those who utilize its 15 member agencies in Western New York. Comparing Episcopal Community Services to Catholic Charities, Williams described the organization as the charitable arm of the Diocese of Western New York
''The most important benefit,'' Williams said of participating in the event ''will be knowing you have helped those in need.''
Participating cyclists will leave from St. Luke's Episcopal Church at 9 a.m. Final registration for those interested in participating will begin at 8:30 a.m. that morning. Depending on the speed of the cyclist, the 43-mile trek can take anywhere from two to four hours.
''Experienced cyclists love this event because the hills are gentle,'' Williams said. ''There are a couple of pretty decent hills around the lake, but nothing that an average or just generally recreational cyclist can't handle. There are no really killer hills and it's a beautiful ride with a beautiful view of the lake. Every time you go up a hill, you gain a beautiful vista over the lake — so it's worth the climb.''
In addition to Hollyloft Ski & Bike and Jamestown Cycle Shop, the event is sponsored by Food Is Good. Helmets are required for the ride.
St. Luke's Episcopal Church is located at 410 N. Main St. in Jamestown and can be reached by calling 483-6405. For more on Loop The Lake or to download a registration form, visit www.wingedox.com.
For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com
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