Organizers of the Tour de Fort ride, held late last month, noted that more than 100 bicyclists participated in the event, which offered several ride options and garnered proceeds used to fund initiatives supported by the Fort Atkinson Lions Club.
Bicyclists participated in 16-, 31-, and 62-mile rides, with some riders finishing more than one option, information recently provided by event organizers reported.
Breakfast snacks and refreshments were made available at rest stops along the routes, with lunch offered in Jones Park, purchased through the Fort Atkinson General’s concessions stand.
The event, also known as the John McKenzie and Don Bakker Memorial Bike Ride, took bicyclists through wooded areas in Jefferson County near Rock Lake, Lake Ripley and Koshkonong Creek, as they made their way from Fort Atkinson, to Jefferson, to Lake Mills and Cambridge before returning to Fort Atkinson’s Jones Park, the released information noted.
The event attracted repeat riders, many of whom, according to the release, have been riding in the event “for decades.”
Next year’s event is anticipated to be held Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025.
Riders were kept safe and assisted during the course of the ride by radio communications provided by the Tri-County Amateur Radio Club, and representatives from 2 Rivers Bicycle and Outdoor, along with members of the Fort Atkinson Lions Club were on hand to assist riders as they maneuvered the course.
In addition to the Fort Atkinson Lions Club, sponsors of the event included Melanie Becker of Jensen and Becker Realtors, Subway of Jefferson County, W&A Distribution, Blodgett Garden Center, Festival Foods, and Kwik Trip.
More than 30 Fort Atkinson Lions Club volunteers worked to make the event a success, the release read.
Photos from the event follow.
Bicyclists gather in Fort Atkinson’s Jones Park in advance of the Tour de Fort ride. The event was held late last month.
Fort Atkinson Lions Club member Nancy Onufer registers three participants in advance of the Tour de Fort event.
A bicyclist sets out on his ride.
Members of the Don Bakker and John McKenzie families gather during the Tour de Fort ride. The event is named in memorial honor of Bakker and McKenzie. Included in the group are McKenzie’s daughters, and Bakker’s daughters, a grandson, a granddaughter, and great-grandchildren.
Riders take a break at one of several rest stops found along the event’s routes.
Bicyclists find a spot to enjoy lunch. The group includes event participants from Fort Atkinson, Whitewater and Jefferson.
Fort Atkinson Lions Club member Michelle Ebbert, at left, takes a lunch order from an event-goer. The Fort Atkinson General’s concessions stand, found in Fort Atkinson’s Jones Park, served more than 100 event participants, according to event organizers.
Contributed photos.
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