Now in its 14th year, the annual Ride to Provide bike ride helps the nonprofit Open Arms Care Foundation provide support services for locals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This year's ride is set for Saturday, Sept. 14 beginning at 8 a.m., with day-of registration beginning at 7.
The foundation is the nonprofit arm of Open Arms Care, which operates a day center, support center and 10 group homes in the Chattanooga area for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Open to all ages and abilities, the family friendly bike ride has 26-, 42- and 62-mile options.
According to Open Arms Care employee and event volunteer Stacy Landrum, local cyclists enjoy participating in the event because of the rural setting, the on-site restrooms and showers, snack and drink tables along the routes, and the home-cooked meal provided after the race.
"Bikers like it because we take good care of them," he said.
Participants have also said they like interacting with Open Arms clients, who come to help out and to watch the event, said Landrum.
The emcee for this year's event is Cindy Deering, a radio personality on WGOW 102.3 FM.
The registration fee is $30 in advance or $35 the day of the event. Participants will receive a long sleeve T-shirt and a goodie bag, and the fee also covers the cost of support vehicles, stops stocked with snacks and drinks, and the meal afterwards.
All proceeds will help make a positive difference in the lives of people with disabilities. Past funds have gone toward putting fences around group homes located on highways, as well as "dream" cruise vacations for two clients who had never had an opportunity to travel.
The race begins and ends at the Open Arms Care support center at 6711 Mountain View Road in Ooltewah. Register at active.com or by calling Lori Howard at 443-9833.
Email Emily Crisman at ecrisman@timesfreepress.com.