Join The Pandemic Pedal in Benzie & Alone But Together Bike Ride in TC

Two virtual cycling events get rolling June 6

By Lynda Wheatley | May 16, 2020

The biggest annual fundraiser for the Benzie Sunrise Rotary — Bike Benzie’s Up North Bike Fest — just hucked the hole that is COVID-19.

Event chairperson Bill Kennis tells Northern Express “Our amazing sponsors still wanted to contribute to our Rotary-sponsored student programs, so we morphed the event into a virtual ride dubbed the Pandemic Pedal."

There’s no registration fee (though donations and T-shirt purchases are welcome); cyclists simply register at www.bikebenzie.org and ride any route they choose, any time between June 6 and June 30, and if they’re willing, post pictures to the event’s Facebook page to help keep the local cycling community motivated and connected.

Kennis says the sponsorships and donations support long-standing programs for area youth: mentoring, scholarships, food insecurity support, and help with literacy.

Another virtual cycling fundraiser rolls through Traverse City June 6 and 7: The city’s annual Less Cancer Bike Ride — this year named the Alone But Together Bike Ride — raises funds to support cancer-prevention organization Less Cancer.

Registration is $25; cyclists can ride one mile or 100, one day or both days; and non-cyclists can donate to support riders already registered for the cause. Learn more at  www.pledgereg.com/less-cancer-bike-ride.