Why we Ride for Food (and you should, too)!
The Ride for Food, now in its ninth year, helps support organizations across the commonwealth that provide food resources to people who need them – like, say, Lovin’ Spoonfuls! And, with the COVID-19 pandemic, the availability of those resources is more important than ever in recent memory.
So what is the Ride anyway? And why should you get in on it?
Spoiler: This year’s “Ride” is what you make it. No actual bike-riding required – meaning you can walk, hike, jog, swim, do yoga, dance, you name it for the cause! Participate on your own time, at your own pace. Involve your whole family or friends five states away. Try it. It’ll be fun!
Still not convinced you should register? Hear from veteran riders and Spoonfuls supporters, Alana and Martin, about why they’re back for more!
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Why do you participate in the Ride for Food? What does this Ride mean to you personally? Organizations like Lovin’ Spoonfuls are working to address two issues that we feel passionately about: food insecurity and food waste. There are so many problems facing us right now, but these are two where the solutions are in front of us—we just have to act. We love that Spoonfuls works with supermarkets in our neighborhood to feed our Greater Boston community. We know where the food comes from, and we know where it goes! When it comes to this ride specifically, biking is a hobby of ours, and what better way to get a little exercise than to ride for a great cause!
As returning riders, what’s your favorite Ride memory?
Well, we survived! Alana liked her after-ride massage, and Martin is glad that despite finishing an hour late, there was still food left! All jokes aside, everyone we met was incredibly friendly, and it felt great to be part of such a supportive, caring, and giving community!
Obviously, this year’s Ride is different. You’re not actually riding with the whole team, and you can get your physical activity in however and whenever you like between now and October 4. What’s your game plan?
We don’t have a plan cemented yet, but we just got an indoor bike to make training easier—no need to wear a mask! Biking is our go-to exercise, so wherever we go, we’ll certainly be on two wheels. And we are absolutely shooting for 50 miles again! If any of you readers have any good ideas, please let us know!
Your top three favorite bike paths/riding trails in Massachusetts. And…go!
Ashuwillticook Rail Trail. The path along the Esplanade (and the partner trail along Memorial Drive). Cape Cod Rail Trail.
Why should people join the Lovin’ Spoonfuls team? Convince a prospective rider/runner/hiker/walker to join you! Oh man, why not join! The people are great, the cause is meaningful and local, and it’s such a welcoming team. You can go as far as you want, take as long as you need, and you’ll still be “cheered” on when you finish! After participating once, you’ll be hooked for life.
Register to join the team, support Lovin’ Spoonfuls, and fight food insecurity.