More than 400 cyclists from around the region are expected to participate in the annual Fenner Ride in Milton, Fla. on Saturday, Oct. 20.
The century ride, benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida, begins at Guy Thompson Community Center at 5629 Byrom St., Milton. A portion of the ride will be on the Blackwater State Heritage Trail, selected as one of Florida’s most scenic greenways. The ride routes are broken down into four distances of 18, 40, 62, and 100 miles.
Fenner Ride is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Fenner McConnell and Matt Wantz. Both men were avid cyclists and former members of the West Florida Wheelmen. A hit-and-run driver killed Dr. Fenner McConnell, a medical examiner for a four-county district in the Panhandle, in 1998 as he rode his bicycle across Bob Sikes Bridge. Matt Wantz was tragically killed while working in a local bike shop.
Early registration is $45 through Oct. 17, $55 thereafter, and includes a t-shirt, rest stops, limited sag support, and a post-ride meal. Registration on the day of the ride begins at 6:30 a.m. at Guy Thompson Community Center. Participants can register online at bbbsnwfl.org.
Proceeds benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida. Fenner Ride is hosted in conjunction with the Beaches to Woodlands Tour in Santa Rosa County and the West Florida Wheelmen. Sponsorships are available. Please contact Courtney Cook, Vice President of Development at ccook@bbbsnwfl.org.