Going nowhere for a cause
Published 10:46 pm Sunday, September 13, 2009
MONROE — Cyclists are gearing up for a long ride on stationary bikes Saturday.
The seventh annual Spin-a-Thon will raise money for Special Olympics Washington at an all-day event that is part fundraiser, part community celebration.
Organizers will set up stationary bikes in the street after police cordon off a block of Hill Street by Thrive Community Fitness, 118 N. Lewis St.
A DJ will spin music, McGruff the Crime Dog and a clown will visit with kids, and local merchants will donate prizes during hourly giveaways.
“It’s like a mini-party,” said Suzanne Madche, an event coordinator.
The main entertainment will come from about a dozen riders who have pledged to ride during the entire event, only taking a break to eat or hit the bathroom. The event runs from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
“It’s a real endurance ride, but it’s such a fun day, it doesn’t seem like 10 hours,” Madche said.
Dozens of other riders will take turns on the bikes for two-hour periods, with each group urged onward by an instructor.
As of Sept. 1, the event had raised $4,639 for Special Olympics, according to the Monroe Police Department, which started the Spin-a-Thon.
Madche hopes to triple that amount by Saturday.
Interested riders can contact Thrive or the police department to participate, while families can simply swing by Saturday to watch and donate to the cause.
All of the money will be directed toward Special Olympians from Snohomish County.
“It’s not only supporting them,” Madche said. “It’s respect. It’s saying we believe in you.”
Andy Rathbun: 425-339-3455, arathbun@heraldnet.com.
