Post
Throwback Thursday
Biking Marathon Will Benefit Youth Club
Mar 31, 2022
The Boys & Girls Club of Portage County is always looking for new ways to support the Club and the children who attend it. This news article talks about our Bike Marathon, now known as the Pedal Point Rally done by the Boys & Girls Club of Portage County to help raise money for the Club.
“JUNCTION CITY – Thirteen hours, 333 laps, 200 miles. Any way you look at it, Rich Johnson is going to be riding his bike for a very long time. Mr. Johnson’s third annual Bike Marathon is Aug. 2 to benefit the Junction City extension of the Boys & Girls Club of Portage County.
The Event started to kick off the opening of the extension and to provide money to cover expenses. Last year Johnson, the extensions codirector, road 180 miles around Junction City Park.
Johnson came up with the idea, combining his love for biking and support for the Club. He is giving up an entire day for the event. Last year he road from 4 a.m. until 5 p.m. with only a couple short breaks.
“I’m not a fast rider,” he said. “I just keep going.”
His sites are set this year on a higher goal, which he hopes will also bring in more donations.
“There are 190 kids in the Junction City club, and it takes money to run it,” he said. The first year of the Bike Marathon brought $700 for the site. Last year dwindled at $100, but Johnson is optimistic that they will bring in more.
Club members and the general public are invited to the marathon to help cheer Johnson on, ride with him or just enjoy the day. There will be a cook-out and some games. The club’s site at Kennedy Elementary will be closed Aug. 2, but kids will be redirected to the park where staff will be for the day.
Matt Anderson, 10, is planning on going to the marathon but primarily to watch, He will bring his scooter and ride for a little way with Johnson. He’s also looking forward to the cook-out.
The youths have helped at past marathons by cheering him on or counting his laps, Johnson said. There have even been some children who will ride off and on with Johnson for the whole day.
“The kids get excited for it,” he said. Throughout the summer, Johnson is asked when the marathon is coming up.
Brittany Martin, 14, will be at the marathon and said the event is important because it supports Johnson and the Club. She comes to the Club in Junction City a few times a week throughout the year because there isn’t much else to do.
When asked what she would do without the Club, she said, “I’d probably be hanging out with the wrong crowd.”
Pledge forms for the marathon are available at the Junction City Extension. Donations may be dropped off at the Club or at the park the day of the marathon.”
Want to join in on the fun? Mark your calendars for this July 15th and 16th for our Pedal Point Rally!
“JUNCTION CITY – Thirteen hours, 333 laps, 200 miles. Any way you look at it, Rich Johnson is going to be riding his bike for a very long time. Mr. Johnson’s third annual Bike Marathon is Aug. 2 to benefit the Junction City extension of the Boys & Girls Club of Portage County.
The Event started to kick off the opening of the extension and to provide money to cover expenses. Last year Johnson, the extensions codirector, road 180 miles around Junction City Park.
Johnson came up with the idea, combining his love for biking and support for the Club. He is giving up an entire day for the event. Last year he road from 4 a.m. until 5 p.m. with only a couple short breaks.
“I’m not a fast rider,” he said. “I just keep going.”
His sites are set this year on a higher goal, which he hopes will also bring in more donations.
“There are 190 kids in the Junction City club, and it takes money to run it,” he said. The first year of the Bike Marathon brought $700 for the site. Last year dwindled at $100, but Johnson is optimistic that they will bring in more.
Club members and the general public are invited to the marathon to help cheer Johnson on, ride with him or just enjoy the day. There will be a cook-out and some games. The club’s site at Kennedy Elementary will be closed Aug. 2, but kids will be redirected to the park where staff will be for the day.
Matt Anderson, 10, is planning on going to the marathon but primarily to watch, He will bring his scooter and ride for a little way with Johnson. He’s also looking forward to the cook-out.
The youths have helped at past marathons by cheering him on or counting his laps, Johnson said. There have even been some children who will ride off and on with Johnson for the whole day.
“The kids get excited for it,” he said. Throughout the summer, Johnson is asked when the marathon is coming up.
Brittany Martin, 14, will be at the marathon and said the event is important because it supports Johnson and the Club. She comes to the Club in Junction City a few times a week throughout the year because there isn’t much else to do.
When asked what she would do without the Club, she said, “I’d probably be hanging out with the wrong crowd.”
Pledge forms for the marathon are available at the Junction City Extension. Donations may be dropped off at the Club or at the park the day of the marathon.”
Want to join in on the fun? Mark your calendars for this July 15th and 16th for our Pedal Point Rally!
Boys & Girls Club of Portage County
P.O Box 171
Stevens Point, WI 54481
941 Michigan Ave.
Stevens Point, 54481
info@bgclubpc.org
715.341.4386
Tax ID #: 73-1630506
Thank You, United Way of Portage County!
The Boys & Girls Club of Portage County is a United Way sponsored agency.
Help Open Doors
Thank you for contributing to the Boys & Girls Club of Portage County. We rely on the support of the community to keep our programs and services available to more than 2,000 youth in Portage County.