The Mountain Charlie Challenge Bike Ride is back for its ninth year to support Scotts Valley’s public schools.
In 2009, the annual ride netted about $29,000 for the Scotts Valley Educational Foundation. During its history, the ride has raised close to $200,000 for the schools.
“We owe it all to the incredible community support we receive,” said one of the organizers, Aura Clendenen, in a prepared statement. “It’s amazing how riders, sponsors, donors and volunteers step up each year. It’s truly a reflection of how much this town values its public schools.”
The ride will begin and end at Skypark in Scotts Valley on Saturday, April 23. Registration is $100, and riders are to obtain pledges from friends and family.
Cyclists on the longer of the two routes, a 100-kilometer ride, will climb the Summit, pass by wineries and through the redwoods and travel through Corralitos, Aptos and Santa Cruz before returning to Scotts Valley.
The 50-kilometer — or half-century — ride is less challenging and will include a rest stop at a vineyard before continuing to Aptos and back to Scotts Valley for a barbecue lunch and live music at Skypark.
Both routes will have support and rest stops along the way.
Information about how to register, sponsor the ride or buy raffle tickets is online at www.svef.net. Riders may also sign up on Active.com.
For information: Aura Clendenen, 247-4805 or cl*******@*******nk.net; or Michael Rein, 440-9835 or mi**@*****aw.net.
