Less than one month away, the Third Annual Mike Clark Memorial Ride will host hundreds of cyclists in an event that’s not quite your typical Saturday morning ride.
After all, it’s inspired by a fallen Ironman.
Clark was a veteran of the triathlon circuit, competing in grueling events that featured swimming, cycling and running segments. He died suddenly in 2008 at 51 after contracting an infection following surgery.
But despite his early departure, the accomplished athlete's encouraging outlook continues to live in the hearts and minds of those that were fortunate enough to know him.
Ed Weirauch is part of this exclusive group that remains inspired by Clark's optimism. Weirauch's life was changed when he enrolled in Clark's spinning class at the YMCA, located on 10th Street in downtown Wilmington. Spinning is an exercise in which participants go hard on stationary bikes for an hour. Usually the class features loud motivating music, with the instructor serving as the team leader.
“Mike might not even remember me, but his positive and motivational outlook helped me lose forty-five pounds and kept me going through some hard times the last two years," Weirauch said.
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IF YOU GO WHAT: Mike Clark Memorial Ride WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 14, 9 a.m. WHERE: Alexis I. du Pont High School COST: $15/children; $25/adults INFO: www.bikereg.com |
Weirauch and the other cyclists attending the Memorial Ride will have the option of selecting a riding distance that best suits them: Ride the Rollers (a 25 or 50 mile route that provides a gently rolling course), Kids Ride (a 6 mile guided route for children. Minimum age is 8 years.) Conquer the Hills (50k, 100K or 75 Mile route on a long and steep course that features fifteen of Clark's favorite hills).
The courses aren't closed to traffic and cyclists must adhere to the rules of the road.
Cyclists participating in Conquer the Hills will travel through New Castle County and Chester and Delaware counties in Pennsylvania. With the exception of the Kids Ride (which is $15 per child), the other courses cost $25 to register.
All events will begin at 8 a.m., at Alexis I. du Pont High School.
Proceeds will benefit the Mike Clark Legacy Fund (MCLF) for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware, and its Fast Cats Track & Field team. For more than thirty years, Clark worked as the athletic director, program director and grants administrator for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware. The Kids Ride will include Boys & Girls Club members.
To register for the Mike Clark Memorial Ride, or for more information, visit www,bikereg.com.
