by CONNIE TABBERT
Editor
WHITEWATER REGION (Westmeath) — Cyclists will be taking to area roads in the eastern portion of Whitewater Region on Saturday morning.
It’s expected about 250 cyclists will be participating in the Tour de Whitewater, which begins and ends at the Westmeath Community Centre. He encourages cyclists and motorists to be cautious while on the roads.
The cyclists are participating in various distances, including 10, 30, 50 and 100 kilometre rides, he said. There will also be children’s events on the ball diamond at Westmeath.
“I want as many people as possible to be aware that the event is on,” said organizer Mike Wendorf, who was working with a committee.
The fire department will lead off the two long-distance rides, to ensure they get safely off the main road, as there are more than 80 for the 100 kilometre ride and 70 for the 50 kilometre ride.
“There will be a lot of cyclists on the roads on that day,” he stressed. “We want everyone to be safe.”
The OPP detachments in Renfrew and Pembroke have been advised of the event and officers will be patrolling in the area, he said.
Another concern the committee has is parking, Mr. Wendorf said. Not only will the cyclists need parking, but so will those attending the big breakfast being put on by the Westmeath and District Recreation Association (WDRA), and the 4-H barbecue lunch.
“Parking will be at a premium,” he said.
He encourages those who will be parking to use side streets, but not to block people’s driveways. There are no real parking lots available, as the area on Synton Street between Recreation Street and Jessie Street will be blocked off for the cyclists to gather.
There will be people directing traffic, Mr. Wendorf said.
Looking back to when the event started, he laughed when he said he’d be lucky to reach 100 cyclists. Last year there were 30 participants in the Canada Day bike ride. When he was asked to organize a bike ride for this year, he decided to change it from Canada Day to a week later so the two wouldn’t coincide. He never dreamed he’d reach more than 200 riders.
Mr. Wendorf is excited about the event, but stressed two very good organizations are the real beneficiaries of the day.
The money from the event will go towards the WDRA and the 4-H club, he said. He noted that all of the expenses are being paid for by the volunteers themselves.
The $8 big breakfast, runs from 7 until 10:30 a.m. and the barbecue is from 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. The bar inside the community centre will also be open from 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m.
“All of the money is going to the two organizations,” Mr. Wendorf said.
There will also be various vendors and organizations with tables set up, such as GearHeads, who will check over bikes; the Ottawa Valley Active Living Association; and Pedal Easy Electric Bikes.
Mr. Wendorf noted all prizes for the children were purchased from a donation to the event.
There will also be draw prizes for those who participated in the various distance events as well, which were all donated, including gift certificates, t-shirts and water bottles. All winners must be there to claim the prizes, he said.
“I expect most riders will be back between 10:30 and 11:30 a.m.,” Mr. Wendorf said.
Around 12:30 p.m., there will be speeches from Whitewater Region Mayor Hal Johnson and Mr. Wendorf, who will thank those who sponsored the event and those who participated.
