Fifth Annual Niagara Bike-a-thon!

Write “9:00 a.m. June 4^th - Bike-a-thon” on your family events calendar and join us for a an awesome bike ride and free barbeque!

This is a truly unique 52km bike-a-thon along the scenic Niagara Parkway from Fort Erie to Niagara on the Lake that helps raise money for Word & Deed’s support of the Nakekela AIDS clinic in South Africa. Last year we were blessed to have approximately 400 riders of all ages, who together raised over $50,500! Once again, from the feedback received last year, we’re anticipating even a better turnout this year. This is an event that promises to be a memorable family day, a valuable fundraiser, and an opportunity to witness as you gather sponsorship money in your community. To participate in this year’s bike-a-thon, please download and print the "Overview Information" document on the right of the screen. Please contact your church representative or one of the contacts below to get your sponsorship sheet.

For more information contact Richard Brouwer @ 905 892 4199 or Mark Fintelman @ 905 562 0990 for packages for your church. We hope to see you there!

Bike-a-thon Info

Overview

• Thank you for participating in this beautiful 52 km bicycle ride on the scenic Niagara Parkway from Fort Erie to Niagara-on-the-Lake.
• Or the shorter 22 km “fun” ride from Chippawa to Niagara-on-the-Lake.
• Both rides travel along the Niagara River, and tour past Niagara Falls.
• Free BBQ for all participants at the end of the ride in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

In Support of …

• Word & Deed uses the money raised to directly support the Nakekela AIDS Clinic in South Africa.
• This medical clinic, run by Drs. Sonya and Arthur Miskin, provides treatment and spiritual direction for AIDS patients.
• Help us try to beat a $55,000 goal for 2011.
• The top ten fundraisers will receive $50 gift certificates.
• Check out http://www.wordanddeed.org for Word & Deed information.

Get Involved!

1. See your church rep. for a sponsor sheet or contact Richard Brouwer @ 905 892 4199 or Mark Fintelman @ 905 562 0990
2. Sign up sponsors and collect money (minimum $50.00 per person or $100.00 per family).
3. Arrange for appropriate transportation.
4. Bring your sponsor forms and money to Registration on June 4.

Routes and Registration

• Those cycling the full 52km will register and ride from Mather Arch Park in Fort Erie to MacFarland Park in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Registration in Fort Erie is from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

• Those cycling the 22km route will register and ride from King’s Bridge Park in Chippawa to MacFarland Park in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Registration in Chippawa is from 10:00 am. to 11:30 am.

• At Registration all your money and pledge forms will be collected before you ride. Please have your packages ready. For those who are parking at MacFarland Park and using the shuttle bus and bike transport, you will register at Mather Arch Park in Fort Erie.
  

Vehicles, Shuttles, And All That Troublesome Stuff

You have 3 options:

1. Shuttle option: Park your cars and unload your bikes at MacFarland Park by 8:30 a.m. We will bus you and transport your bikes to your preferred starting point. When you finish your ride at MacFarland Park, you can load your bikes back into your vehicles and leave at your convenience. E-mail Mark Fintelman at maffam@live.ca to reserve a spot on the shuttle bus.

2. If you are coming from the Oxford County area, buses and a transport truck for your bikes will be arranged from a central location. Contact Henk Vrugteveen if you wish to take advantage of this option: henk@oxfordpallet.com.

3. Make your own arrangements to transport your cyclists and vehicles to suit your schedule.

Shuttle room is limited, and is available on a first-come, first-served basis, while it lasts. Make all arrangements for transportation with Mark or Henk NO LATER THAN FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2011. The earlier the better!

Other Nitty-Gritty Details

• Helmet laws in Ontario require helmet use for all participants under 18 years old. Please comply with these rules!
• Bike-a-thon volunteers will be stationed throughout the route and will provide emergency back-up support should you need it
• Because of traffic congestion at Niagara Falls, parents or guardians are requested to assist the younger participants.
• There are rest stops approximately every 10 km along the ride, with complimentary refreshments at each stop.
• Public washroom facilities are available at Mather Arch Park, King’s Bridge Park, Table Rock, and MacFarland Park.
• The minimum entry fee is $50 per person or $100 per family; greater donations are graciously accepted!
• Charitable receipts for donations of $10 and over will be mailed directly to sponsors by Word & Deed.

Helpful Hints

• Tell your friends, and get them involved.
• Sign up sponsors and collect money. Try family, friends, co-workers, bosses and neighbours and businesses. Some businesses are willing to be corporate sponsors if you write them a letter.
• Remember to tune up your bike.

Directions

To Mather Arch Park in Fort Erie:

· To get to Mather Arch Park Take the QEW to Fort Erie

· Exit at Central Ave. and take Central Ave. south to Lakeshore Road.

· Turn Left on Lakeshore, and the first thing you come to is Mather Circle. We’ll be there.

To King’s Bridge Park In Chippawa

· Exit the QEW at McLeod Rd. at Niagara Falls, and travel East to the Falls.

· McLeod Rd. will become Marineland Parkway, and then Portage Rd.

· Keep on until you get to Chippawa, then turn Left onto Macklem Street.

· Macklem will almost immediately become Niagara Parkway.

· King’s Bridge Park is on the right hand (river) side.

To MacFarland Park In Niagara-On-The-Lake

· Take the Hwy 405 Exit from the QEW

· Exit Hwy 405 at Queenston to travel North on the Niagara Parkway to Niagara-on-the-Lake.

· MacFarland Park is just upriver of Niagara-on-the-Lake on the river side of the Parkway.