The Fort Atkinson Lions Club has announced that it will once again hold its John McKenzie and Don Bakker Memorial Bike Ride.
According to Fort Atkinson Lions Club member Patti Hurtgen, the event was last held in 2019.
According to a recent news release, the event, which also is called “Tour de Fort,” was placed on pause as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This year, the ride will be held Saturday, Aug. 26., and will take participants through scenic areas within Jefferson County, including Rock Lake, Lake Ripley, Koshkonong Creek, Fort Atkinson, Jefferson, Lake Mills and Cambridge.
Registration to participate in the tour is required. For those registering before Sunday, Aug. 12, there is a cost of $40 per participant. Those registering after Aug. 12, including tour day, will incur a cost of $50 per participant.
Registration fees for children are as follow: ages 6 to 12, $15. Those 5 and under may participate for free, but must be accompanied by a registered parent.
The ride will be held rain or shine, with no refunds offered, according to its organizers.
The following link is provided for those wishing to register online: https://bit.ly/Lions-TDF-2023.
Those interested in participating in the ride are asked to arrive at 8:30 a.m. at Jones Park in Fort Atkinson.
According to the release, “Riders can begin at any time but rest stops have cut-off times.”
The ride provides participants with three options. Riders can chose to complete a 16-mile, 31-mile or 62-mile course, the release stated, with organizers encouraging riders to select the length that best fits their enthusiasm.
“All the routes are on paved, scenic, and enjoyable roads,” the release continued.
According to the release, those arriving Saturday morning in Jones Park will be offered breakfast treats before the ride begins, and will find refreshments at rest stops, along with a picnic lunch and beverage at the conclusion of the ride.
Food items will be offered through the Fort Atkinson Generals Concessions stand in Jones Park, the release read.
Additionally, the release stated, riders will have support as they travel the routes. There will be wagon patrols courtesy of the Fort Atkinson Lions Club to aid in any “bicycle mishaps.” There also will be course radio communications courtesy of Tri-County Amateur Radio Club. Detailed maps and well-marked routes to guide riders also will be available.
The ride’s namesakes, McKenzie and Bakker, were both longtime members of the Fort Atkinson Lions Club who enjoyed bike riding, the release stated.
“A memorial statue and park bench in honor of these two men is found along a bike trail paralleling Janesville Avenue, just past Jones Dairy Farm,” the release noted.
Sponsors of the ride include: Blodgett Garden Center, Festival Foods, Fort HealthCare, Melanie Becker of Jensen & Becker Realtors, and Subway of Jefferson County.
For more information, contact Jason Fiege by phone: 920-542-4099 or email: fortlionsclub@gmail.com.
File photo/Unsplash.com/Sole Bicycles.
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