Bike ride fundraiser in works

In conjunction with the local Model Railroad Club, the Fort Frances Volunteer Bureau is co-ordinating it first-annual 100-km bike ride from here to Orr, Mn. and back
Designed as a fundraiser, proceeds from the ride will go towards costs accrued by the programs run by the Volunteer Bureau, with some also being donated to the Model Railroad Club.
Open to all, the ride will take place Aug. 31 starting at 7 a.m.
The expected completion time is eight hours but Joel Morris, president of the Volunteer Bureau and an avid bike rider, is aiming to cut the time down to a mere six hours.
“He loves a challenge and that’s it,” enthused Volunteer Bureau staffer Debbie Bazylewski.
And hopefully everybody else out there does, too.
Morris indicated the aim of this fundraiser is to be difficult—to have those riding for the cause pour their sweat and tears into it.
The Volunteer Bureau is an under-used resource in the town, but it really does provide some important and valuable services—most of which cannot run without proper funding.
From its “Dial-a-Ride” program to “Meals on Wheels,” the community Christmas dinner, tutoring programs, income tax program, “Friendly Visiting,” and more, the Volunteer Bureau provides many services to the public without asking for anything in return.
“[The need for funds is] extremely dire,” admitted Morris. “Even workers here are on a volunteer basis. It normally is a paid job, we just don’t have the resources.”
After it lost access to fundraising through Bingos and Nevada ticket sales, the Volunteer Bureau had to seek other ways to secure money in order to continue providing its services.
With this first-annual bike ride, the Volunteer Bureau hopes to raise $2,000-$4,000 to put toward the costs of running the programs.
Given this year is the 10th since Morris was involved in a biking accident, he thought facing that memory—and going for a challenging bike ride—would be the best way to find the funds the Volunteer Bureau needs so much.
Those who are avid bikers, or who just enjoy a challenge, are urged to drop by the Volunteer Bureau (located in the old CN station on Fourth Street West) and sign up for the ride.
Those wanting to participate are urged to get a day’s worth of traveller’s insurance, as well as have proper identification for crossing the border.
The ride will be held rain or shine, and will take the shape of a non-stop tour of the roads to Orr and back. Vans will follow with bike tools and supplies, and any other necessary amenities, but the bikers will be on their own for the most part.
Morris added the good thing about travelling to a U.S. destination is the state of the shoulders of the highway.
He noted while Canadian shoulders are narrow and actually can be quite dangerous for a biker, those on the way to Orr are wide and well-paved.
These conditions will make for the possibility of riding alongside each other and hopefully make it a good time for all—making it about more than just the hard work.
“It is a rain-or-shine event,” stressed Morris. “There could be high winds which would slow us down a bit, but the only thing that will stop us is lightning or a tornado.”
A few people already have signed up, including Bob Tkachuk, Ed Katona, and Morris’ brother, Josiah, but Morris hopes if more know about it, there will be more interest shown for the event.
Also, because it is an intensive fundraiser, if someone is unable to participate, pledges and sponsorships still can be made at the Volunteer Bureau to help support the cause.
For more information, drop by the Volunteer Bureau or call 274-9555.