Event returns for second year Aug. 23
Nick Robbe nrobbe@perutribune.com
Pre-registration is available through Aug. 13 for the Second Annual Double Nickel Bike Ride.
Participants can register in advance by going to www.uwmiamip.com. To receive a short-sleeve t-shirt, registration must be completed by Aug. 13.
The ride is Aug. 23, with $25 registration at 7 a.m. and the race at 8 a.m. from Breakaway Bike Shop, 8 S. Wabash Street in Peru.
The ride last year raised $3,000 with the help of a matching grant, and United Way of Miami County Executive Director Debi Wallick is hopeful for an even better turnout this year. All proceeds will go to the United Way.
“We put an ad in Indy Bike and Fitness,” Wallick said. “ So we are hoping to get more people who can come ride.”
This year, another three miles has been opened toward the Kokomo portion of the trail, meaning riders can ride the full 81 miles from Rochester to Kokomo. Riders can also ride 19, 35 or 58 miles.
Zac See, the general manager of Breakaway Bike and Fitness Shop, said Mike Kuepper, the chief executive officer of the Nickel Plate Trail, approached them last year about setting up a ride like this.
See said it was easy to set up the ride, and Shannon, his wife, is more than knowledgeable when it comes to setting up rides of this nature and getting the word out to the shop’s customer base.
“This is a step toward a healthier community, and it’s also affordable,” Snyder said. “People can ride different lengths, and it’s not too intimidating and accommodating to riders of all skill levels.”
At various stages of the trail, riders can stop where members of organizations such as the Salvation Army, the Miami County YMCA, Red Cross and the Boy Scouts will be talking about their various causes.
“No literature will be handed out. They will just be communicating with riders about their causes. … We will also supply snacks and drinks,” Wallick said. “Whether you ride one mile or 81, you are helping to make your community great.”