WGPD leading charity bike ride

IF YOU GO

Pedal for PAL

WHEN: 8 a.m. ride start Sunday, March 29

WHERE: The Pavilion in downtown Winter Garden

COST: $25 for 25 miles; $40 for 65 miles

INFO: 407-656-3636, Ext. 4017, or wgpal.org

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WINTER GARDEN — For the second annual edition of the Winter Garden Police Athletic League Pedal for PAL March 29, organizers went after the burgeoning cycling community by adding a 65-mile ride to raise more funds.

“This is the first year we’re doing it with this format with the longer distance,” Officer Andrew Raphael, one of the event leaders, said. “So far, we have more riders riding the 65-mile route. Cycling in West Orange County and Lake County has a very big following. In adding longer distances, we knew we’d be able to bring on more riders, and the more riders, the more sponsorship and registration fees we get to fund these programs.”

Last year, only a 25-mile ride was available. This year, participants can donate $25 to participate in the 25-mile ride or give $40 for the 65-mile ride, with discounts available for clubs and teams.

“This particular event funds our Police Athletic League, which has two major initiatives during the year,” Raphael said. “One is our Police Athletic League Summer Camp for families in financial need who cannot afford to send their kids to a camp.”

That camp includes breakfast and lunch each day, as well as a snack, Raphael said.

“Then we have a reading program and an art program, in addition to other activities, such as field trips,” he said. “We have 120 kids, give or take, who get to partake in that.”

The other major initiative is PAL’s Holiday Gift for Kids Program, in which families meeting those same criteria receive gifts such as bicycles for free in December.

Cyclists in this event will receive gifts for their registration fee, including a pre-ride breakfast and a post-ride celebration with lunch, smoothies, massages, photo opportunities and music by disc jockey Ray Ray.

“We have a bunch of different vendors and sponsors out there to promote their businesses,” Raphael said. “Nothing will be for sale. All those services and products are donated for various companies. This way, all the money can go to the program.”

Pre-ride packets will be available for pickup from 10 a.m. to noon March 28 at Sports Authority, 3373 Daniels Road, or on ride day at the ride site. Registration is available online at active.com, where riders can search for “Hot Pursuit” to get to the page. At 7 a.m. the day of the ride, registration will be available at the pavilion in downtown Winter Garden, before the mass start time of 8 a.m., with a course closure time of 3 p.m.

“I don’t know ultimately how many we’re going to have,” Raphael said. “There’s definitely more room to come and register.”

All routes will be clearly marked, and rest stops along the way will be stocked well, so that all riders can be accommodated.

“It’s going too be a good, fun family event,” Raphael said. “All levels are welcome. Just come on out.”

Contact Zak Kerr at [email protected].