BAINBRIDGE – Whether you are after tastebud-tantalizing chili or a scenic bicycle tour to enjoy the fall foliage, you won’t want to miss the Bainbridge Rotary Club’s next fundraising event.
On Saturday, Sept. 26, the service organization will host its Second Annual Rotary River Rides & Chili Cook-Off at General Clinton Park. It’s all for a good cause, of course – actually two, as the event will support both the Bainbridge Food Pantry and the Bainbridge Free Library.
According to organizer Dale Fox, an avid bicyclist and long-time Rotarian, the idea for the joint fundraiser grew out of a fall ride he organized a few years ago. While he had “thrown together” the ride for he and a few friends, word spread and in the end more than 25 people participated. Knowing that the Bainbridge Rotary was looking to expand their fundraising efforts, he volunteered to organize something similar as a fundraiser. And, thus, the Rotary River Rides were born.
“It’s not a race,” he explained, but rather an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the Susquehanna and Unadilla River Valleys. Three rides of varying lengths will be offered including a 100-mile century ride which begins at 8:30 a.m. and a 50-miler at 11 a.m. A third 25-mile ride for more novice riders will begin at 12:30 p.m. Each ride will leave from General Clinton Park in Bainbridge, and riders should register 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start time. Rotary volunteers will provide support and sag wagons along the route.
The cost to participate will be $30 per rider for the century ride, and $25 for both the 25- and 50-mile rides. Those pre-registering on or before Sept. 20 will receive a $5 discount.
Where does the chili fit in? That is Fox’s doing as well.
“There are so many chili recipes out there, and everyone seems to think theirs is the best,” he said. Now the self-proclaimed “foodie” is making sure they have a chance to prove it.
According to Fox, any team of 2 to 4 people is welcome to enter the cook-off. Last year, competitors included a business and several community groups. The cost to participate will be $35 per team on the day of the event, or $30 in advance.
