Since 2005, cyclists have been hitting the open road in Muskoka and raising money for charity.
On May 27, they’ll be at it again as Spin the Lakes returns, drawing hundreds of people to the area and raising money for local mental health initiatives.
The event is a cycle around the Muskoka Lakes with distances of 175 km, 102km, 57 km or 20 km. It begins and ends at Hidden Valley Resort in Huntsville. There will be water stations along the routes, swag bags, prizes and a buffet at Hidden Valley Resort with live music after the event.
Over the years, proceeds from the event have been donated to such worthy causes as Sears Cancer for Kids and active-living advocacy within the community. However, Spin the Lakes organizer Jim Brensih said in a 2015 interview with Doppler that he had been looking for a charity with which to establish a long-term relationship.
Shortly after reading the book Open Heart, Open Mind by Canadian Olympic cyclist and speed skater Clara Hughes, who writes in the book about her struggle with depression, Jim was approached by the Canadian Mental Health Association about their becoming the name charity for the event.
“It felt good to me,” said Jim, “and everything fell into place.”
You can register for Spin the Lakes here.
With files from Elizabeth Rice.
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