Cyclists turnout for EcoRide

Hundreds of cyclists throughout Michigan came out to support the Ecology Center of Ann Arbor’s annual EcoRide fundraiser June 28 at Hudson Mills Metro Park in Dexter.
The event featured four paths of different lengths, ranging from a 3.5-mile circle around Hudson Mills to a 55-mile trek through Dexter, Chelsea and Manchester. There were also 10-mile and 25-mile routes.
"This is one of our biggest fundraisers each year," Ecology Center events co-ordinator Ken Kozora said in a previous interview. "It's a family event, and the Manchester route is one everyone loves."
The fundraiser provides the Ecology Center with much needed donations to support its efforts toward promoting clean energy, zero waste, toxic-free children and protecting natural areas.
“One of the center’s goals is to make energy companies stop greenwashing and pro-vide renewable sources of energy,” the center said in a press release.
The fundraiser has been a major event for the Ecology Center for over 35 years. Kozora has been involved with the center since 1988 and says that the EcoRide attracts bikers from all over the county.
"We usually get anywhere from 200 to 300 riders, from little kids to serious riders," Kozora said. "A lot of long-time supporters of the Ecology Center participate, and we get people from Detroit and Oakland County who love the event."
Tom Glaser of Ann Arbor said this was his third year participating in the event.
“It’s a lot of fun,” he said. “I want to get the exercise and though the 55-mile trek to Manchester is long, I feel up to it.”
Glaser said he is not an avid cyclist but enjoys being able to participate in an eco-friendly event.
David Schwartz of Saline said he participated in the EcoRide 15 years ago and is excited to participate this year.
“I’ve done it before,” he said. “I like being outdoors and I love riding past the Huron River.”
Schwartz opted for the 25-mile route into north Ann Arbor.
“I didn’t want to do the 10 mile route because that was too short,” he said.
Michael Foerster of Royal Oak said he first heard about the event through a friend.
“I’m excited. This is my first event ride,” he said. “I am biking to Traverse City in two weeks so this is a warm-up for me.”
In the past, riders were required to pay a participation fee for the event. This year, however, participation was free for adults. Cyclists were also encouraged to raise a minimum of $50 for the center.
“I like how we were able to allocate what issue we wanted our money to go toward,” Ypsilanti resident Kevin Bush said.
Bush and his friend, Elizabeth Luther of Ann Arbor, were recruited to participate in the event by fellow friend Douglas Reith.
“We’re all first-timers,” Reith said. “I came across several advertisements for the EcoRide and I thought it would be fun to form a team.”
Luther said the team chose the 55-mile route to Manchester.
“I have never been there before,” she said.
Dewight Plotner of Ann Arbor-based Wheels in Motion, said the company has been working with the EcoRide for several years and provides support for cyclists throughout the day.
“We donate a bicycle to the Ecology Center and we also have about 15 people go out on the routes with their bikes to help out if a biker breaks down or has a flat tire,” he said. “This is a great event and we are just doing our part to help out.”
Ypsilanti resident Peter Curtain said he enjoys working with Plotner and the Wheels in Motion team.
“I wanted to help them out because I think it’s a great cause,” he said.
Curtain, who is originally from Australia, said he is an avid cyclist and is attending the Tour de France this year.
Tom Liston of Whitmore Lake said a friend got him interested in the event.
“I ride quite often,” he said.
Liston chose the Manchester route to ride tandem with his wife.
“This will be the longest route I’ve taken,” he said. “Previously I’ve done up to 51 miles. My goal is to finish in four hours.”
Liston’s friend, Charlie Bateman of Northville, said the 55-mile trek would be his longest route this year.
“I’ve done 20 miles. This will be stretching it,” he said. “I think it’s worth it though. I’ll be fine.”
Other festivities throughout the day included complimentary chair massages and performances by The Po-Boy Cajun Band and Dorkestra. Both groups were courtesy of the Riverfolk Music & Arts Organization.
“This is awesome,” Kozora said. “We have beautiful weather and a great bunch of people coming out to the Ecology Center to support us. It’s exciting to be a part of it.”