People Helping People (PHP) has announced that registration is now open for its 7th Annual Wine Country Bike Trek. The Bike Trek will be conducted on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, June 3rd-5th and its home base will once again be Midland School in Los Olivos.
Funds raised from the Bike Trek help to support PHP services such as a food program, homelessness prevention and youth programs. PHP services are directed at those who are in immediate financial crisis or have very limited means.
The Bike Trek event includes a fully-supported ride at your own pace 30 and 50 mile circuit on each of its three days. Participants can choose to ride on 1, 2, or 3 days and can also choose the length of their ride each day.
Registration is now open on the Wine Country Bike Trek’s website at www.winecountrybiketrek.com, which also has additional information about the ride, obtaining voluntary pledges to support the good works of PHP, meals, lodging, training, and volunteering.
According to Ride Coordinator, Erica Valdés, the Bike Trek is a ride that appeals to cyclists, including children, at every skill level. It covers both flat terrain and rolling hills, is well marked, and includes fully-supported food and rest (SAG) stops every 10 miles. There are even roving support vehicles.
The 3-day ride begins in Solvang on Friday, ends at Midland School in Los Olivos, and includes the option of camping at Midland School on Friday and Saturday nights. Valdés added that, “We even deliver the 3-day riders’ camping gear to the Midland School campsite.”
On Saturday and Sunday, rides start at Midland School. Each morning begins with a complimentary continental breakfast. All riders receive t-shirts and swag bags and are entertained with live music each night.
Fabulous dinners are provided on Friday and Saturday evenings. Friday evening dinner is traditionally an Italian pasta night donated by Olive Garden and on Saturday the fare is BBQ with “sides” cooked by the Kiwanis Club of the South Coast. Dinners include beer and wine. There is also an event farewell luncheon BBQ on Sunday prepared by the Buellton Rotary Club in Riverview Park in Buellton where the Sunday ride ends.
Craig Stuart, a long-time resident of Santa Barbara and a recent addition to the “Trekker” family said of the Wine Country Bike Trek that, “I have participated in various organized athletic activities throughout my entire adult life, but, I have to say, this one really struck me. This ride uniquely combines exploring the natural beauty of the Santa Ynez Valley with providing a challenging activity with fun-loving people and great entertainment. I can’t wait!”
PHP is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization serving the Santa Ynez Valley, Los Alamos, and the immediate environs. Its mission is to “improve the lives of men, women, and children in the Santa Ynez Valley, Los Alamos, and surrounding communities by addressing emergency and basic needs, furnishing comprehensive integrated family and individual support services, and activing as a catalyst for positive community change.”
For more information about the ride, visit www.winecountrybiketrek.com or call (805) 686-0295. For more information about PHP and the programs Bike Trek riders support, log onto www.syvphp.org.