Join Ride4Life 2017!

Greetings Riders, SAG, Family, Friends, and Supporters,

Dust off your helmets and get back on your saddles - it’s that time of year again! Details for Lakeshore Pregnancy Center’s annual Ride4Life are taking shape, and we want YOU to join us!

Ride4Life is a group bicycle ride with a purpose. This year, we are hoping to build upon last year’s success with a shorter format that appealed to more participants. We will be spending 4 days (September 21-24) riding throughout beautiful Michigan while raising funds to support Lakeshore Pregnancy Centers.

Will you please prayerfully consider participating in this exciting and challenging fundraiser, as well as share the details with anyone else that might be interested? Together, we can bring the message of LIFE to the families that we serve!

Below are some frequently asked questions regarding Ride4Life. If interested in participating, or for additional information, please email events@lpcenters.com.

WHAT ARE THE DATES OF THE RIDE?

The Ride4Life 2017 is scheduled for September 21-24. Location of departure and return will be determined following the finalization of this year’s route.

WHAT IS THE ROUTE THAT YOU TAKE?

This year’s route will be a 350 mile loop through Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. We promise you a scenic route through our beautiful state on a combination of biker friendly roads and bike paths.

HOW MANY RIDERS AND SAG DRIVERS DO YOU HAVE?

We have had anywhere from 8-16 Riders and 3-5 Sag Drivers. We have 2 vehicles that carry all of our supplies and our Mobile Unit is one of them.

WHAT EQUIPMENT IS REQUIRED TO DO THE RIDE?

A road bike is recommended although we have had some tandem bikes and a few other varieties. Your bike must have front and rear lights and a mirror (some prefer the mirror on the helmet). The important thing is that you can do the ride and keep at the pace of the group. We provide a team jersey but the rest of your bike apparel is your responsibility. No one is ever allowed to ride without a helmet. Everyone brings an extra set of tires and tube. LPC covers repairs that need to be made along the way and our sag vehicles carry tools, more tubes, and bike pumps for whatever is needed.

DOES THE GROUP STAY TOGETHER?

We ride together always. The pace averages anywhere from 14- 20 mph depending on the wind and terrain. That is why the group rides are required so we figure out a good pace for the whole group. The most efficient pace needs to be met each day so we are not on the bikes longer than needed. It’s nice to be off by 5:00 and we try very hard to make that a goal. Each day is unpredictable, though, with breakdowns, blowouts, and meltdowns (just kidding!). You need to be prepared for everything that can get in the way when it comes to all the possibilities that are out there each day that can potentially cause a delay.

WHAT IS THE COST PER RIDER AND WHAT IS INCLUDED?

Riders that represent LPC are asked to raise $2500 to cover their cost to ride and raise additional funds. All meals, lodging, and transportation are provided on the trip. Some people choose to bring some special snacks they like and money for snacks along the way at the convenience stores but most times you will find our snacks sufficient.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS?

We schedule as many group rides as possible throughout the summer and a few meetings as well. We try to combine the meeting with a group ride to take up as few nights as possible. The meetings are mandatory and you must do at least 5 group rides throughout the summer. We also do the Holland 100 as a group, which is Saturday, July 16. You can get a good feel as to where you are in your training by doing the group rides and the Holland 100. We have found that the more we ride together prior to the trip the better we function together on the ride itself.

WHAT DO YOU DO AT NIGHT AND WHERE DO YOU STAY?

This depends on the day, and how late we get in. We always eat together either in a restaurant or around a meal prepared by our SAG. We also discuss the next day’s route etc. and then have devotions as a group. If there is a pool and hot tub at the hotel even better! Sometimes we go do an activity together but most are happy to have a little time to rest and connect with family. We stay in decent hotels, nothing fancy, but we strive for clean and efficient and with an included breakfast if possible.

HOW DO I COMMITT TO THE RIDE?

Ready to ride?! Email or call Janelle Kelly at event@lpcenters.com or 616-396-5840 x30.