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Club helps Okotoks health cycle

Some cyclists who burn off loads of calories are helping to fuel those who need assistance in the community.
highwoodcycling
The Highwood Cycling Club presented a cheque of $1,345 to the Okotoks Food Bank on Oct. 26 to celebrate another successful riding year. From left are, Walter Nietmann, president Tom Maier, food bank executive director Sheila Hughes, Carson Bell of Ridley’s Cycle and Dale Firth.

Some cyclists who burn off loads of calories are helping to fuel those who need assistance in the community. The Highwood Cycling Club presented a cheque for $1,345 to the Okotoks Food Bank to close what was another season of camaraderie and taking in the scenic Foothills area from atop bicycles. The club held a social activity on the last Thursday of every month during the season after its ride in the evening. “They were held probably five or six times and we socialized afterwards and we would take cash donations,” said club president Tom Maier. “It’s nice to support our club and the community by giving back – to have the ability to ride and have the ability to help the community.” The club has a partnership with Ridley’s Cycle, which often provides the venue and refreshments after the social rides. It has more than 100 members with rides on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and longer trips on Saturday mornings. With the large number of riders, it opens up the variety of treks for their cycling jaunts. “Now that we have more people out we are able to split our groups into two or three groups,” Maier said. “We might have a fast group, a medium group and a slower group. “We can also adjust the distances on those rides – so that everyone meets back at Ridley’s and we are all basically on the same time… It works out well for the social events afterwards.” The Saturday treks are endurance rides of between 80 and 130 kilometres, said club member Walter Nietmann. “We have ride leaders that will lead each ride,” Nietmann said. “They will take two routes on the Saturday. So people can stay with you for 40 or 50k and then might fall off and come back to town.” Those who want a longer ride can carry on, he said. The Tuesday rides and Thursday rides would be in the 45k and 60k distance, respectively. The club has spread the wealth in the Foothills, hitting the Bomber museum, going to Chain Lakes, the Millarville area and making a point to stop for refreshments in the area. “We will pick a local coffee shop and hang around for an hour or so,” Nietmann said. The club has also developed a stronger relationship with those wanting to get around on four wheels rather than two. “You do notice they (drivers) are more cautious, they will move over for you,” Nietmann said. Maier said club members have taken measures to form a partnership on the road. “The club requires that all members to have taillights on for club rides,” Maier said. “Having those flashing lights is more visible, but it also indicates that we are trying to let them know we are on the road. “Maybe that gives a little bit more respect back.” The club requires front lights be used during the spring and fall rides. They also ride in single file as much as possible and voice commands are used among riders as vehicles are approaching. With the holiday season approaching, the donation from the health conscience club was much appreciated by Okotoks Food Bank executive director Sheila Hughes. “Thank-you for thinking of us,” Hughes told members of the club and Ridley’s. “We like to feed people healthy food, and this is really going to help us do this.” For more information about the club go to highwoodcycling.com/blog/

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