Photo by Lester Smith
Enthusiasm is rampant as younger riders in the PMC Kids Ride, many with training wheels, surge forward a moment after the start. They are heading for the traffic circle in front of Suffield Middle School.
The enthusiastic kids who gathered May 11 at the SMS/McA parking lot were there to have fun as well as to raise money for the Jimmy Fund and fight cancer, and they certainly did both in the Suffield PMC Kids Ride. This year 207 kids participated, in two self-selected groups. Younger riders pedaled a mile or so around the traffic circle in front of the middle school, while older kids headed up Hill Street to the Russell Avenue corner and returned, some more than once.
A bike tune-up shop was on hand, and the SFD tower truck dangled a giant banner over the 10 a.m. start. A five-girl Wildcats cheerleader squad from SHS was on hand to welcome the riders as they returned, some of the older kids exulting in their fast up-and-back time. Even the tricyclists got a congratulatory shaking of the cheerleaders’ shiny tassels.
Inside the McAlister gym (as rain had been threatened) The Dean’s List offered spirited music, face painters applied their skills, plenty of raffle and silent auction prizes were on exhibit, and pizzas and ice cream sticks were available. Soon after 11, ride organizers Denise and Chris Nikolas herded all the cyclists onto the grassy bank next to the basketball court for the traditional photos and the big announcement (with the usual giant cardboard check). Chris announced that 15 kids had raised more than $250 each, four of them over $750. And the total for the event was $42,811!
The principal sponsor of the local PMC Kids Ride is the First National Bank of Suffield, and many others were listed as well. Chris said the total for the event this year will grow as more donations arrive.