Daily News

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Franklin County Biking Event Set for July 24

GREENFIELD — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Franklin County (BBBS-FC) invites the public to come out on Sunday, July 24 for a morning of cycling through the scenic hills of Franklin County. There are three rides to choose from: a family-friendly, 10-mile ride and scenic 25- and 50-mile routes. The ride will begin and end on the campus of Northfield Mount Hermon School in Gill.

The registration fee is $40, and there are discounts for youth and children who ride. Lunchtime refreshments will be provided for all riders, featuring food from Hillside Pizza of Bernardston and Red Fire Farm of Granby. Children and non-cyclists are welcome to join for the food at noon for a small donation. Raffle tickets will be available to win a Giant Escape 3 around-town bicycle courtesy of Bicycles and Skis Unlimited of Greenfield. The first 75 riders to register will get a T-shirt and goodie bag. To register or learn about the routes, visit www.bikereg.com/biking-for-buddies.

Proceeds from Biking for Buddies fund BBBS-FC programs, which serve local children facing adversity in Franklin County and the North Quabbin region. For almost 50 years, BBBS-FC has been helping local children reach their highest potential through professionally supported, one-to-one mentoring relationships with volunteers.

Currently serving about 150 children, BBBS-FC is continually seeking to serve more children who could benefit from mentors. Mentoring is truly a prevention program, as children with mentors are less likely than their peers to engage in risky behaviors and have been shown to have better relationships with parents and peers and to do better in school.

Program staff will be at the event, ready to take inquiries for new volunteer ‘bigs’ or to answer questions. To learn more about the event or becoming a mentor, call (413) 772-0915 or visit www.bbbs-fc.org.

This year’s event sponsors include Baystate Franklin Medical Center, Greenfield Savings Bank, FirstLight Power Resources, Yankee Candle, Sandri Energy, Northfield Mount Hermon School, LaPierre’s Media Marketing, WHAI/Bear Country, Stobierski & Connor, and Ramon Financial Services, LLC.