Century riders beat the heat

takin‘ off:
Bicyclists begin their ride at the Anderson River Park on Saturday morning. More than 200 riders participated in the Anderson River Park Century Bike Ride, which serves as a fundraiser for five local Lions Clubs.

Hundreds of bicyclists braved the heat and rode the course in the Lions Anderson River Park Century on Saturday, May 16.

There were 210 total riders, each who could choose to bike along the 25, 40, 60 or 100 mile routes.

Forty-five cyclists did the entire 100-mile ride.

"Heat was a factor," said Wayne Dunham local Lions Club member and one of the event's organizers. "Some of the riders shortened their rides," he said.

But Lions Club members worked to give cyclists relief from the heat. They provided drinks and snacks including fruit and cookies at six rest stops located along the 100 mile ride. Lunch was provided for cyclists in the longer rides and a pasta meal was served at the finish.

Lions Club workers also patrolled the routes to make sure riders were safe, and helped if any problems occurred.

Dunham said bicyclists really enjoy this particular ride, not only because of the scenic route, but because of the accommodations over the course of the ride.

"There are a lot of people who have ridden a lot of century rides. The riders really like our rides because of the service we provide," he said.

Riders left Anderson River Park from 6:30 a.m. until 9 a.m. with shorter riders returning to the park about 10:30 a.m.

The first 100-mile rider completed the course in 6 hours and 47 minutes. The last two 100 mile riders safely returned about 6 p.m. The Century Bike Ride is a fundraiser for five local Lions Clubs. The clubs use the profits from the ride to support community activities in Cottonwood, Anderson, Happy Valley and Redding.

Dunham said the this year's annual bike ride was a success.

"The five Lions Clubs that provide the support for the ride were pleased with the turnout and the support of our sponsors," he said.