Bridgewood Farms 'Burn Your Buns' achieves goals July 4

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas - Over 430 bikers took to the streets and through the rolling hills of Willis and Conroe early Saturday morning on July 4th at the 12th Annual “Burn Your Buns” Bike Ride to benefit Bridgewood Farms.

Riders aged 10 to 85 rode the 20, 31, or 62 mile (loop twice) course along tree lined streets and rolling hills in Willis. Many participants “doubled the fun” by going down and out twice to cover the 62 miles. Fun-yes! Most participants were returning after making this a tradition year after year.

“The quality of a ride can be measured by the number of return riders, and the show of hands that went up for those who had ridden this ride in the past”, said Steve Schoger, promoter, director, and representative of The Woodlands Cycling Club.

The Woodlands Cycling Club (WCC) and the McDougal Law Firm work to ensure the success of the ride by recruiting law enforcement, volunteers, and officials to monitor the route. Both Mike McDougal and WCC have supported the bike ride since its inception in January 2004. The first ride event was held February of 2004 as the “Ride from the Heart” but with only 15 participants and sleeting weather the event was changed to July and re-named Burn Your Buns. The WCC takes responsibility for the ride route, TXDOT approvals, and all promotion to cycling clubs.

“We are very thankful to our sponsors that contributed to the expenses of the event. All proceeds from the registration go directly to enable Bridgewood Farms to serve our clients”, said Flo Nelson, Executive Director.

The 2015 Bike Ride raised $26,000 to supplement programs and services for 120 intellectually and developmentally disabled individuals in Montgomery County and surrounding areas.

Presented by The Woodlands Cycling Club, Diamond Sponsors include Suddenlink Communications and Bill, Sheryl and Stacey Brown. Gold Sponsors are Décor Builders Hardware and the McDougal Law Firm. Silver sponsors-Shannon Fine Jewelry, Cannon Custom Homes, Bill Pinkerton, and Borden. Bronze Sponsors are Consolidated Communications, Precinct 1 Commissioner Mike Meador, Precinct 1 Constable Don Chumley, Taylorized PR and many individuals- Tom and Mary Krolcyzk; Marissa Gonzales and Jeffrey Tacy; Jerry, Paula and Jody Shumpert; Curtis, Marjorie and Curtis Hildebrand, Steve Schroger,, Cynthia and John Garza, and in Loving Memory of Debbie Cowling. Other sponsors are Sweet Revenge Bake Shoppe Bakery in The Woodlands, The Ark, Lynch Signs, and Lake Conroe Rotary.

Founded in 1967, Bridgewood Farms has a mission to provide programs and services to enable individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities to reach their highest potential through training and life experiences that build self-esteem and promote personal independence. Bridgewood Farms serves over 100 teens and adults with opportunities to lead healthy and productive lives.

The clients train for both Special Olympics, participate in skills that teach basic nutrition, money management, housekeeping, social interaction, and reading that are specific to the individual and their needs. Other programs include respite care, pre-vocational training, horticulture, ceramics, and adult continuing education.

Everyone is entitled to feel special. Bridgewood Farms is place where happiness abounds, where peer pressure does not exist and freedom takes on new meaning to improve the quality of life for the clients.

Learn more about Bridgewood Farms by visiting their website at Bridgewood Farms and follow them on Facebook at Bridgewood Farms.

About Bridgewood Farms: Bridgewood Farms is located on 53 acres serving clients through day programs, respite programs, pre-vocational programs, and other social, wellness, and educational programs for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities to promote self-esteem and personal independence. Donations are tax deductible and critical to the operating budget. Located at 11680 Rose Road in Conroe, visitors may schedule a visit to volunteer or receive services.

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