People Helping People Bike Trek Opens Registration

2012 Bike Trek riders gather at Midland School for an evening of festivities after Saturdays ride.

Funds raised from the Bike Trek help to PHP services such as a food program, homelessness prevention and afterschool youth programs in Buellton and Los Alamos. PHP services are directed at those in particularly immediate financial crisis or with very limited means.

The Wine Country Bike Trek event includes a fully-supported 30 and 50 mile ride on each of the three days: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Participants can choose to ride on 1, 2, or 3 days and ride 30 or 50 miles per day.

Registration is now open and easy via www.active.com, a nationally recognized athletic event promotion registration organization. Simply log onto the Wine Country Bike Trek’s website at http://www.winecountrybiketrek.com and click on the homepage link to http://www.active.com.. The Bike Trek webpage also has additional information about the ride, pledges, food, lodging, training, and volunteering. Alternatively, prospective riders can call (805) 938-1620 to request a registration packet by mail. Registrations will be accepted until June 7th. A maximum of 200 registrations will be accepted.

According to Ride Director, Donna Beal, the “Bike Trek” is a ride at your own pace event for riders at every level that covers both flat terrain and rolling hills. Beal has directed the event for PHP for the past three years and in a previous incarnation under the auspices of another non-profit. “This wonderful ride engenders a great deal of loyalty from any rider that tries it,” said Donna. She added, “(T)he event has an adopted family of 50 riders that have come back every year for the past 20+ in order to enjoy the gorgeous scenery, wonderful food, and camaraderie.”

Beal stated that she expects 150 – 200 riders to participate in this fully supported ride. “Riders will find free safety checks, well marked routes, roving support vehicles, and fully-supported food and rest (SAG) stops every 10 miles,” she said. “The 3-day ride begins and ends in Solvang and includes the option of camping at Midland School on Friday and Saturday nights. We even deliver the riders’ camping gear to the school campsite. There is also complimentary continental breakfast each day, tee shirts, swag bags, live music and dancing each night.”

The riders are treated to fabulous dinners Friday and Saturday evenings. Trattoria Grappolo will be serving delectable Italian fare on Friday and the Kiwanis Club of the South Coast will be serving an authentic BBQ chicken and tri-tip feast on Saturday. Dinners include all the accompaniments including beer and wine. There is even an event farewell luncheon BBQ on Sunday prepared by the Buellton Rotary Club in Riverview Park in Buellton.

Craig Stuart, a long-time resident of Santa Barbara and a new trekker in 2011, has already committed this year, and even recruited three of his friends: “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 by addressing emergency and basic needs and furnishing comprehensive integrated family and individual support services.”

For more information about the ride, visit http://www.winecountrybiketrek.com or call (805) 938-1620. For more information about PHP, log onto http://www.syvphp.org.