Cyclists toured the rural roads and covered bridges of northern Berks County, all in an effort to help those in need, raising nearly $13,000 at the 15th Annual Brake the Cycle of Poverty Benefit Bike Ride for Friend Inc. Community Services on Saturday, Aug. 10.
“I hope (cyclists) had a great day riding for a great cause. We had beautiful weather this year, escaping the threats of Hurricane Debby, and, of course, this is some the most beautiful scenery in the county,” Friend Inc. Executive Director James Reece said in a statement.
Starting at the Rickenbach Learning Center on the Kutztown University campus, the 120 riders could choose from four courses – a 62-mile ride through all four covered bridges in Berks, a 40-mile ride that crosses two covered bridges, a 25-mile ride on winding back roads or a 10-mile scenic ride perfect for beginners and families.
“We consistently field around the same number each year,” said Reece. “Many of our riders return year after year. In fact, I spoke to one gentleman who has only missed one ride of the past 15 years!”
In addition to the ride, the fundraiser included post-ride food, drinks and music by the Hannah Violet Trio.
“Great weather. Great friends. Great food from our new caterer Saucony Café. And music, of course, from the ever joyful Hanna Violet,” said Reece.
While organizers did not offer anything special to commemorate the 15th annual event, this year’s ride proved memorable.
“Considering there was a hurricane bearing down on us the Tuesday before we were actually considering how late in the day Friday we could go before we had to call the event, by Friday we knew we were in store for a beautiful day,” said Reece. “And it was. So whoever was responsible for that little miracle made it special.”
“Oh, and there was a pretty cool T-shirt to boot,” he added.
Fundraising for a cause
“Thanks to the generosity of our riders and our wonderful group of sponsors, we raised just shy of $13,000,” said Reece.
The name Brake the Cycle of Poverty is a clever turn-of-phrase for Friend Inc.’s mission, which is to assist in the development of self-sufficiency of those in need throughout northeast Berks County. As the term “brake” means to “stop” in cycling, the fundraising event aims to “stop” the cycle of poverty through education and direct assistance when needed.
The funds raised will be used to support Friend’s mission of helping those in times of need.
“We’re putting food on kitchen tables for over 700 folks each month. We’re putting food in bowls for over 600 family pets each month. We’re coaching families and writing checks to keep the lights on for dozens and dozens of people each year,” said Reece.
Friend Inc. offers case management services, food pantry services, financial assistance as well as financial education, linking clients to resources and advocating on their behalf.
“We love what we do and we are grateful that we can help so many of our neighbors here in rural Berks, but that takes money, lots of money,” he said. “The proceeds of this ride is one of the ways we can keep our own lights on.”
Friend Inc. services include a client-choice food pantry, campus satellite pantry for Kutztown University students, and case management services that address food insecurity, money management education, assistance with utilities, rent, transitional housing and referrals to outside agencies. Friend Inc. is also the Kutztown home for Safe Berks, Family Guidance Center and Maternal and Family Health Services (WIC).
Friend Inc. will host the 16th Annual Brake the Cycle of Poverty Benefit Ride on Aug. 9, 2025.
Source: Berkshire mont
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