The Social Pub was spinning (with music and bikers) on Saturday (July 13th) as friends of B!KE: The Peterborough Community Cycling Hubcame out in droves to fundraise at their first-ever fundraising event, the “B!KE-a-thon”, which raised more than $15,000.
From 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., cyclist teams—outfitted in themed costumes and spirited attitudes—pedalled for 12-hours straight, relay-style, on stationary bikes at The Social in downtown Peterborough. "It wasn't as easy as you'd think," says Lily Haryett, long-time supporter of B!KE. Haryett and other cyclists were urged on by visiting supporters including Mayor Diane Therrien, local federal PC leader Mike Skinner and Town ward councillor Kemi Akapo.
"The vibe was great—there was stiff competition to raise funds between teams, and it was heated!" says Kate Siena from the 5-member team, The Cranks. "In the end, our shared love of B!KE brought out the best in us!"
Sponsors for the B!KE-a-thon included The Social Pub, Wild Rock Outfitters, Green Eyewear, Frog Cycles, Runners Life, Pastry Pedlar, Fresh Radio, Global TV/CHEX, PTBOCanada (that’s us!), Henry's Barbershop, Ultimate Distribution, Sam's Deli, Publican House, Fontaine Source for Sports, Pedalboro, The Endeavor Centre and Peterborough Tool Library.
These vital funds raised from the B!KE-a-thon will enable them to fill in funding gaps, freeing up staff and board members to explore new revenue sources for the coming years.