Story Category: Regional News »

When the pedals began turning on more than a hundred bicycles at the start of the Indian Head Hiker-Biker Trail early March 20, the cyclists were motivated not only by lovely spring weather but also by the cause for which they were biking: the Charles County Sheriff’s Office’s first annual community bike ride, which raised money for United Way of Charles County and the Spring Dell Center, Inc.

The 122 riders of all ages and skill levels converged on the grounds of the Town of Indian Head community pavilion early for the 8 a.m. bike ride. Some biked part of the trail while others made the entire 26-mile journey to White Plains and back. Together, the cyclists raised $2,380 for the two organizations.

“It humbles me to see such a great turnout for our first community bike ride,” said Sheriff Rex W. Coffey. “We are still fighting some tough economic battles but that hasn’t stopped our community from raising money for important causes like United Way and the Spring Dell Center. Not only that, but we brought together people from all over the community and gave them an opportunity for some heart-healthy physical activity. We couldn’t have asked for a better start to spring.”

Volunteers from United Way and the Spring Dell Center provided water to the riders at several stations along the trail. Pre-registered riders received a lunch courtesy of Chick-fil-A and a T-shirt courtesy of KNC Marketing to commemorate their participation in the inaugural event. Sheriff's officers and cadets directed traffic where the trail intersects with major roadways.

The Sheriff’s Office raises money for many charitable organizations and other causes. For more information about the agency’s philanthropic efforts, visit www.ccso.us