Columbus, IN – (May 20, 2010) – Hundreds of women are already signed up for this year’s Girlfriend Ride June 19, after hearing about the chocolate fountains, free shoulder and hand massages, endless plates of cookies and singing troubadours their friends enjoyed last year. The non-competitive bike ride will add even more sweet stuff in its second year.
Designed for women and girls of all ages and cycling abilities, the ladies-only Girlfriend Ride will begin at 8 a.m., Saturday, June 19 in Columbus, Indiana (about 70 miles north of Louisville). Cyclists can choose to ride distances ranging from six easy miles up to 31 miles through the scenic town and rural Bartholomew County. Registration includes fully marked bike routes, snacks at the five-star SWAG stops, emergency SAG support and use of the portable powder rooms. You can register early at www.GirlfriendRide.org. Day-of-ride signups are $35.
“This is a beautiful, leisurely, fun ride that lets girlfriends, sisters, coworkers and groups spend a morning together enjoying treats, getting some exercise, having their shoulders rubbed and doing good for a charity, all at the same time,” says ride organizer Debbie Smith. The Girlfriend Ride benefits Turning Point Domestic Violence Services in Columbus, Indiana, which operates a shelter for women, men and dependent children victimized by domestic violence or sexual assault.
“Last year the Girlfriend Ride raised $6,000 for Turning Point and $500 each for three nonprofit organizations that provided volunteer support for the ride. This year, the need at Turning Point has increased 17 percent, so the charity needs “Girlfriends’” support now more than ever,” Smith says.
Any group of 10 or more riders can choose their own “team name,” which will be added to T-shirts available at the ride. (Teams must register in advance to have their names added to the shirt.) Shirts will be for sale for $12 (small through extra-large) and $16 (sizes 2X and 3X).
The ride begins and ends at Central Middle School, 727 Seventh Street, Columbus, Indiana. The Girlfriend Ride is part of the Must-Do Rides family of cycling events founded by the directors of the Hope Ride and the original Safari Bicycle Tour. For more information, please contact Debbie Smith at 812-371-6824, Paul Ashbrook at 812-546-0383 or Holly Rudolph at 502.261.1139, or visit GirlfriendRide.org.
For more information: http://girlfriendride.org/
