The
Johnny Ray Charity Ride is Saturday, so watch out for bikers traveling from
Opelika to the rest stop at the Martin Theatre in downtown Roanoke.
This
is the fifth year the Roanoke Rotary Club has provided the rest stop for the
bicyclists. They can go to the restroom, rest, drink water and eat snacks
provided for them.
Gerry Knight said they
will start arriving on Sept. 23 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The ride is to
benefit Parkinson's Disease research and programs.
Volunteers and Interact youth
will help the bicyclists as they arrive, checking them in and pointing out the
food and restrooms.
The sponsor, East Alabama
Cycling Club, began in the spring of 2003 to promote cycling and push for a
Rails-to-Trails restoration of the railbed that carried the Johnny Ray train
between Opelika, LaFayette and Roanoke in the early 20th century. This
initiative became the club's annual project to support thoses with Parkinson's
Disease through the Davis Phinney Foundation. In 2016 it raised $7,286.
The Davis Phinney Foundation's
mission is to help people living with Parkinson's to live well today. The
Foundation offers programs, resources and research to help people affected by
Parkinson's take greater control of their treatment in order to improve quality
of life today and every day.
Davis Phinney is an esteemed
American cyclist and Olympic bronze medalist. Throughout the 1980s and early
1990s, Phinney was a familiar face on the podium, racking up 328 victories (a
U.S. record) before his retirement from professional cycling. Diagnosed with
young onset Parkinson's disease in 2000 at age 40, he went on to establish the
non-profit Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson's in his hometown of Boulder,
Colorado.
Novices to seasoned riders
from in- and out-of-state participate.
Jim Akin said bicyclists leave
from Trinity United Methodist Church at 800 2nd Avenue in Opelika. They can
register for the ride there. They can also register online. Registration begins
at 7 a.m. Willie Fuller, the face of Parkinson's, will also help. A former
rider, he now does volunteer work.
The race begins at 8 a.m. and
riders can choose to go 20, 34, 63, or 105 miles. The Johnny Ray Century is the
105-mile ride. Some riders may arrive here after 9 a.m.
Coming into Roanoke the riders
will pedal up Louina Road, to Gulf Street, Depot Street, Maple Street, Maple
Drive, Chestnut Street to Main Street, to the rest stop and back to Chestnut
Street and out of town. The riders will follow the yellow paint markings put
down days beforehand.
At one time, the "Johnny Ray
Century," which traveled from Opelika to LaFayette and then Roanoke, was
one of the most famous rail lines in the region. While most people no longer
travel by rail, the spirit of the Johnny Ray Century lives on for a good cause.
While the East Alabama Cycling Club sponsors the event Akin said the Bicycle
Advisory Committee, of which he is a member, will take it over in the future.
He said about 50 registered to
ride last week and about half of the riders will register Saturday morning. A
light breakfast will be provided that morning. Those returning to the church
after their rides will be provided a hot lunch and prizes. A truck follows the
riders to ensure they get back to the church.
For more information or to
register to ride go to www.eastalabamacyclingclub.com/johnnyraycentury.
http://www.therandolphleader.com/news/article_8b0a166e-9e18-11e7-a15e-b32931745023.html
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