''Burn Your Buns'' achieves goal July 4 to benefit Bridgewood Farms

CONROE, Texas - 340 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. The majority of participants participate traditionally every year from The Woodlands Cycling Club and The Mules Cycling Club. Fifty volunteers were there early to check in participants or help at water stations. The Lake Conroe Rotary always sponsors the Burn Your Buns event by providing volunteers.

“This has been a wonderful tradition with me every year since its inception in February of 2004 with Mike McDougal”, said Kris McBride, member of the Lake Conroe Rotary Club and longtime volunteer. “That first event was so cold instead of Ride from the Heart it could have been Freeze Your Buns Bike Ride. July is usually pretty predictable and hot!”

Peggy Apple, also of the Lake Conroe Rotary, has helped with registration for many years “because it is so rewarding”. The Lake Conroe Rotary partners with Bridgewood Farms to assist with funding projects and events throughout the year including the recent purchase of a golf cart.

Other event sponsors include The Woodlands Cycling Club (WCC), the McDougal Law Firm, and Precinct 1 Constable’s Office. All the organizations work together 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 WCC takes responsibility for the ride route, TXDOT approvals, and all promotion to cycling clubs.

“This year was a bit challenging to get sponsors, but we are very grateful for the continual community support. All proceeds from the registration go directly to enable Bridgewood Farms to serve our clients”, said Flo Nelson, Executive Director

The 2016 Bike Ride raised nearly $18,000 to supplement programs and services for 120 intellectually and developmentally disabled individuals in Montgomery County and surrounding areas.

Presented by The Woodlands Cycling Club, the Diamond Sponsor was Troy Construction. Gold Sponsors are Décor Builders Hardware and Mary and Tom Krolczyk. Silver Sponsors-Cannon Custom Homes, Lynch Signs, and Borden. Bronze Sponsors are Shannon Fine Jewelers, Taylorized PR, and many individuals- Bill Pinkerton; Beverly and Gary Ward; Jerry, Paula and Jody Shumpert; Pam and Davy Holak, and Helen Schwisow.

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.

Learn more about Bridgewood Farms by visiting their website at www.BridgewoodFarms.org or follow them on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/BridgewoodFarmsConroe

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