BAINBRIDGE – The Bainbridge Rotary Club will host its fifth annual River Ride this Saturday. Bicyclists from far and wide are invited to take part in the series of bike rides ranging from 10 to 100-mile courses through the Susquehanna and Unadilla River valleys. There will be a $15 to $20 entry fee and riders will be provided with water and food.

“We plan to take care of the bikers by following them in cars loaded up with spare bike parts, bike tires, as well as food and bike bottles full of water,” said organizer Dale Fox. “We will be there to take care of the bikers and to help if anything goes wrong.”

Unfortunately flooding in central New York last year obstructed the Riverside Ride. But “even two days before it was scheduled, I had people calling to sign up,”said Fox.

After the flooding last year, the Rotary Club did a survey of the village identifying households struggling with excessive water damage. “We gave them ‘Bainbridge Bucks’ which were accepted by local merchants, who in turn were reimbursed by the Rotary Club. It worked phenomenally well, we were able to help around 100 families,” said Fox.