A Great Way to Pedal and Play in Paradise
The 8th Annual Pedal & Play in Paradise hosted nearly six hundred riders on March 24th and 25th. Once again this celebration of cycling provided something for everyone and raised thousands of dollars to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s fight against blood cancers and TEAM’s “bicycle friendly” initiatives, including the popular free yellow bike program. For a day by day look at the event, view our video master’s latest creations.
Friday, Pedal & Play 2017 from Intergalactic Photography on Vimeo.
Saturday, Pedal & Play 2017 from Intergalactic Photography on Vimeo.
The two-day festivities kicked off on Friday with the increasingly popular City Manager’s Tour. This year’s tour took in several new additions to Punta Gorda including the Vietnam Memorial, new library site, and the Marriott hotel under construction. Following the tour was a sunset Tiki Party with free yoga and a surprise bagpipe flash mob. That’s something you don’t see every day!
Saturday began early with breakfast and entertainment followed by four bicycle tours–the 10-mile Mystery Ride, and 15-mile, 30- mile, and 62-mile rides. Three lucky riders got to use electric bikes on their tours. Lunch with free beer, free ice cream, entertainment, and several door prizes greeted riders as they returned.
Over 100 volunteers were involved during the two-day event. This year’s volunteers included several National Honor Society students from the collegiate high school at Florida Southwestern. Their creative minds and strong backs were much appreciated by all involved.
One participant summed it up well: “Great experience. Everyone friendly and it pulls the community together for a good cause.” “It’s a good cause and people work very hard to make it run as smoothly as it does. Great event,” said another satisfied customer. A telling comment was: “Happy riders and happy volunteers,” which fits right in with Pedal and Play’s slogan–“We Work for Smiles!”
