Rancho Family YMCA’s 22nd Annual Ride Across California Ends with Celebration at Moonlight Beach
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n March 31, Rancho Family YMCA’s Bike Club wrapped another successful Ride Across California (RAC) event culminating with 41 fifth-graders dipping their front tires in the ocean at Moonlight Beach in Encinitas. A total of 280 miles were biked among family and friends, which started in Yuma, AZ, where bikers started with their back tire in the Colorado River and ended at Moonlight Beach. When they arrived at their destination, 200 people welcomed them home to celebrate with signs and noisemakers along Pacific Coast Highway and on the sidelines as they pedaled to the water’s edge. The 2013 RAC was organized by the staff of Rancho Family YMCA with the leadership and support of community volunteers. The annual ride, now in its 22nd year, aimed to show kids how proper training and planning can enable them to accomplish any goal they set. “Ride Across California is not just a learning and character building experience
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for kids. It’s also a bonding experience for their families,” said Mark A. Thompson, Executive Director, Rancho Family YMCA. “We are honored to have the opportunity to keep a program running that makes such an impact on the lives of children who participate. I would also like to thank all the volunteers and community members that helped organize this year’s ride, especially our lead volunteer, Gary Rossi.” The weeklong trip not only helped kids learn and understand the importance of planning and training when setting goals, but the kids also learned important tips and practices to use when cycling. Individuals who are interested in participating in next year’s ride can start by enrolling with the Rancho Family YMCA Bike Club in September. For more information on training rides, upcoming dates and supplies needed please contact Jesse Pazdernik at jpazdernik@ymca.org. For more photos of Ride Across America, go to 92129magazine.com. ¢
RAC 2013
• 75 fifth graders and their parents, siblings, alumni participated, for a total of 150 people • 280 miles were traveled, from Yuma, AZ to San Diego, CA • 225 broken tubes • 700 Capri Sun juice drinks and 40 loaves of bread were consumed