Wheeling for Healing Bike Event on Tap for Aug. 22
GREENFIELD — The Pioneer Valley is known for its great bicycling, and Baystate Franklin Medical Center will offer three scenic routes during its third annual Wheeling for Healing bike ride benefit on Sunday, Aug. 22, starting at the White Eagle Polish Picnic Ground, 249 Plain Road, Greenfield. Funds raised will be used for heart-health and weight-loss programs, services, and equipment at the hospital.
The American Heart Assoc. reports that, over the last 10 years, cardiovascular diseases have been responsible for more deaths than any other disease. Tied closely to heart disease is America’s obesity epidemic.
“Though we can’t solve the country’s heart-health and weight-loss issues, Baystate Franklin Medical Center can help people in our community live healthier lives through the programs and services the bike event supports,” said Dr. Howard Natenshon, BFMC radiologist and a member of the Wheeling for Healing organizing committee. “Wheeling for Healing is a natural fit, creating a fund-raising opportunity out of this sport we love — a sport that can contribute to both cardiovascular health and weight loss.”
The event features three different courses for participants: a flat, local 10-mile route; a moderate 25-mile ride through Bernardston, Gill, and the Turners Falls bike trail; and a challenging 50-mile route that goes up into the hills of Warwick and Wendell. This event is not a race, and participants are encouraged to sign up for a course that matches their level of ability.
All Wheeling for Healing routes will begin and end at the White Eagle Polish Picnic Grounds. The 50-mile ride will set out at 9 a.m.; the 25-mile ride at 10 a.m.; and the 10-mile ride at 11 a.m. Upon their return, riders will enjoy a barbeque and live music.
Rider registration is $40, and discounts are available for families of three or more. Pre-registration is encouraged.
“We are also encouraging riders to collect pledges,” said Douglas Reid, major gifts officer at Baystate Franklin and a member of the Wheeling for Healing committee. “You can set up your own Web page via our Web site, then e-mail your family, friends, and colleagues asking them to pledge support for your ride. It’s a great way for everyone to get involved in the event and to feel they are helping support the hospital.”
For more information or to register for Wheeling for Healing, visit www.baystatehealth.org/wheelingforhealing, or call the Development Office at Baystate Franklin Medical Center at (413) 773-2131.
