November 27/07 4:31 am - 2nd Annual Escape Velocity Toy Ride

Posted by Editoress on 11/27/07
 

2nd Annual Escape Velocity Toy Ride
Courtesy Team Escape Velocity

Cyclists Raise Over $1400 for the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau

On Saturday November 24, 2007, over fifty cyclists braved cool temperatures and icy roads to join Team Escape Velocity’s annual Toy Ride, raising $1440 for the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau. The Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau, a Vancouver based charity, provides food vouchers and toys for low income families in Vancouver.

“The Toy Ride began in the early 1990's with a small group of cyclists from the Soliton Cycling Club riding through Richmond to Children's Hospital with soggy cheques or small toys in our pockets.” Lorne Bodin, Team Escape Velocity event director said. “The ride wasn’t held for a few years until Steve Fenning and Simon Buchanan of Soliton resurrected it. The goal has always been to gather riders together before a usual Saturday morning ride before Christmas and encourage cyclists to donate money or gift to a Christmas charity.”

Starting from picturesque Jericho Beach, the Toy Ride followed Escape Velocity’s regular Saturday morning club ride route through Point Grey and around Richmond, with a side trip to Iona Beach. Riders who completed the 90-plus kilometer ride enjoyed warming temperatures and sunny skies as the ride progressed.

“We were really pleased with the turnout on Saturday,” Lorne Bodin added. “We had a great turnout from Escape Velocity and dEVo, as well as a number of riders from Team Wedgewood Cycling Team and a several independent cyclists.”

At the end of the day Saturday, $1440 in cash and few gifts were dropped off at the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau. The donations were much appreciated by the staff at the LMC.

A titanium ring draw prize, donated by Steve Fenning, was won by Brandon Edwards.

Special thanks to Tim Horton’s Community Cruiser for providing hot coffee and Timbits at the start of this event.

For more information:

For more information about the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau, or to make a donation, see: www.lmcb.ca

About Escape Velocity:

Founded in August 1989, Team Escape Velocity is a Vancouver, BC based cycling club committed to promoting and developing the sport of cycling in Canada. With membership ranging from novice Category 5 riders to Canadian National Team members and North American champions, we pride ourselves in our community involvement, race organization, youth development, and leadership activities. For more information on EV see: www.escapevelocity.bc.ca