Gearing Up For Rockwell and Ride

Last week, I wrote a story for The Bristol Press about the Rockwell and Ride biking fundraiser for the city's homeless shelters.
The second annual Rockwell & Ride event is set for Sunday, August 29, starting at Rockwell Park.

Phil Lysiak, the executive director of the St. Vincent DePaul Mission of Bristol, said the money raised from the ride will help support the programs at the 25-bed Bristol Emergency Shelter; The Elms, a 13-bed long-term transitional shelter for single men and a 10-unit transitional living center for women with children.
He said fundraisers and donations must make up about 20 percent of the organization’s $1 million annual operating budget.
Last year, 200 riders netted about $8,500 for St. Vincent DePaul. This time, they want to double the ridership with an even better event, hoping to raise $15,000.
This year there will be a post-ride lunch and a DJ playing music and a new road bike raffled off.
Riders will choose from a 25-mile ride, a 50-mile ride and a 75-mile ride that stretches far into Litchfield County near People’s State Forest, said Lysiak. The event isn’t designed to be a competition, but rather a way for people to get out, meet people, have fun and raise money for the shelters.
A “sag wagon” will travel each route to pick up anyone who's too pooped to pedal anymore, or has a busted bike.
Registration has started and can be done online at www.svdpofbristol.com or www.bikereg.com. Entry fees are $30 for ages 16 and older and $15 for ages six through 15.
The story is on the Press website under "business." (http://www.bristolpress.com/.)