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Family Fun ride is part of Fondo 2020

  One positive aspect of the current COVID-19 pandemic, at least in the Frankenmuth area, lies in fact that many folks are taking to the outdoors.

  More and more area residents and guests to the community have strapped on their walking shoes, purchased or rented canoes to hit the Cass River and oiled up their bicycles for rides in town and out in the township.

  Frankenmuth Parks and Recreation Department Programmer Janelle Compton said the trend is not only here, but across America.

  𠇍uring the coronavirus pandemic, the nation has seen an increased interest in people participating in outdoor activities like biking, walking and kayaking. Frankenmuth is no different with an abundance of opportunities in our community,” Compton said. “People are participating in biking, walking and kayaking more than ever before.”

  To celebrate this renewed interest in outdoor activities, the parks and recreation department is partnering with the annual Frankenmuth 2020 Fondo to celebrate cycling on Saturday, August 8, with the event headquartered at the Frankenmuth River Place Shops.

  The Frankenmuth Noon Rotary Club organizes the Fondo, which includes rides of 25K, 50K and 100K.

  Dubbed The Family Fun Ride, the event will leave the River Place Shops at 9am – which is the same location as the start and finish of the Fondo races. For residents who don’t wish to travel to River Place, they are welcome to join the ride as it rolls through the neighborhoods around town.

  There are no fees or registration required to participate in the Family Fun Ride.

  A map of the Family Fun Ride route will be publicized prior to the event in the Frankenmuth News, on the Frankenmuth Fondo website and the Frankenmuth Parks and Recreation Facebook page.

  The Family Fun Ride route will return to River Place to watch the Fondo competitors cross the finish line. Compton said there will be bike-related children’s activities to participate in at that location.

  “Participants are encouraged to have fun with this ride. Bike decorations and costumes are encouraged. Frankenmuth River Place Shops are donating prizes for participants who show the most creativity with decorations, costumes and more,” Compton pointed out.

  As with most events these days, participants are encouraged to space apart while biking and leave physical separation from other riders that are from different households.

  Registration remains open for the Fondo races. The Fondo is a Noon Rotary Club fundraiser for their Helping Hands Fund. This fund provides financial assistance to area families in need. Since 2017, over $30,000 has been contributed in the community.

  In order to socially distance, staggered rolling starts will be conducted. The 100K will start at 8am, the 50K at 8:30am and the 25K at 9am. The event will be timed by EnMotive. They are also handling registration and Jersey Rider fundraising.

  There are men’s and women’s categories. The age categories for men and women include the top three finishers in each. They are, 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70-plus years of age.

   A Finish Line Fest will take place 10:30am until 5pm at River Place Shops. This includes food, drink, entertainment and camaraderie. Each registrant will receive a food voucher. Alcoholic beverages will also be available on the patio.

  For more information, visit www.cyclefrankenmuth.com. Rider costs for adults and children can be found at that site.

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