Mountain bikers raise funds for Project Rwanda

DAVE BOXLEY, 50-MILE RIDE

The 50-Mile Ride event in Trabuco Canyon raises more than $24,000.

TRABUCO CANYON – Mountain bikers in Orange County did not let the economy stop them from raising more than $24,000 for Project Rwanda.

The 431 cyclists raised the money by taking part in the third annual 50-Mile Ride for Project Rwanda on Saturday March 21.

This year's event drew almost 100 more riders than last year.

"We were worried the economy might impact rider participation this year," said event organizer Doug Grant. "But rider support for our event has been amazing."

The 50-Mile Ride started three years ago as a 50th birthday ride for event founder Doug Grant. Each year, participants elect to ride either a 25-mile route or the full 50-mile route.

The full course traveled from Cooks Corner, through O'Neill Park, working its way to Dove Canyon, then out to Caspers Park and back, then on to Tijeras Creek, Arroyo Trabuco, back through O'Neill and finishing up again at Cooks Corner.

"It was a great event with the best mountain biking I've done yet," said participant Jamie Lau. "The river crossings and single track through the woods, the mud, and "jungle" got me nostalgic of the east coast where I just moved from."

A new 5-mile "Fun Ride" was added this year to attract more young riders and families.

A post-ride party was held at Cooks Corner. Riders and their families enjoyed a barbecue, with proceeds going toward Project Rwanda, a DJ, and sponsor booths – including a massage table for any aching legs.

The highlight of the post-ride party was the prize raffle. More than $10,000 in prizes were donated by local bike shops and merchants.

The Grand Prize, a KHS cross country mountain bike, was won by Pat Moxley. In an unselfish act that epitomized the spirit of the 50-Mile Ride, Moxley elected to auction his new mountain bike to the highest bidder – with all proceeds going to Project Rwanda. After some lively bidding action, participant Bronwen Conway rode home with a brand new KHS bike – as a gift for her husband.