South Floridians have a new reason to get in shape.
On Saturday, more than 3,000 cyclists are expected to converge upon Coral Gables and take part in Florida’s largest charity bike ride. They will journey on the 2009 Zimmerman MS Bike Ride, biking to and from Key Largo to help those with multiple sclerosis. ”It’s amazing how the community comes together to help out with this event,” said Ernesto Diaz, who has chaired the event for three years. It’s a phenomenal success, and I’m so proud to be a part of it.” The two-day event will kick off Saturday at the Bank- United Center at the University of Miami. Cyclists will bike to Key Largo and will celebrate the halfway mark at a tropical beach party with food, fun and entertainment. Participants will stay the night at The Village in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park before making the trip back to UM on Sunday. For 22 years, the national MS Society event has been bringing bikers together to raise awareness and funds for South Floridians affected by the disease.
The ride continues to grow every year, rising from 1,200 to 3,000 participants since Diaz first came on board. It has developed into one of the country’s top bike tours, drawing cyclists from across the nation and even overseas. Last year’s event hosted riders from about six different countries, he said.