GREENFIELD — As the clock struck eight, hundreds of riders pushed off the ground and onto their pedals as they started the seventh annual Hancock Flat 50 bike ride.
What once started in 2016, with a year break due to COVID, has grown bigger each year.
Joel Hungate, director for Hancock Wellbeing, has been on the Hancock Flat 50 steering committee for three years and said the event is only getting bigger and better with more than 10 states represented and 774 registrants — not including day of registration.
“We continue to try to out-think the scale of the event and continue to create more and more activities for everybody and their families,” Hungate said. “And that includes Flat 50 Friday… Food, music and fun in the Living Alley, plus expanding what we do for the race and after the race.”
Hosted by Health365, the ride offered two routes for cyclists — a 50-mile and a 25-mile with stops along the way for snacks, drinks and the opportunity for a restroom break.
Peter Watson ate a quick sandwich at a stop before finishing the rest of the 50-mile ride.
For his friend’s 66th birthday, they decided to participate in the Hancock Flat 50, which was comparably easier than other rides he had done before. A recent ride, Watson mentioned, was across the state of Iowa, which was more than 500 miles and “epic climbing.”
Cathy Gardner mentioned she has been cycling for more than 40 years and also participated in a long-distance bike ride across Iowa. After hearing about Hancock Flat 50, Gardner thought it would be a good way to get back on the bike.
“Riding in general, you get to see places in detail that you don’t get to see when you’re going in the car,” Gardner said. “I noticed that going down 40, looking at houses I’ve never paid any attention to when driving. That’s the benefit of being on the bike and slowing down and calming down.”
Back at the tents, Jillian Collins volunteered to help with registration and merch because her boyfriend was participating in the race.
“I think it’s great for people to get out and enjoy community events but also be healthy and exercise,” Collins said.
Next to the registration and merch tent in the alley was a recovery table by Hancock Health Wellness Center, the Snowy Bus selling snow cones, a Wooden Bear beer tent, Penny Lane photo bus and more vendors. Once riders were finished, they were able to take their food ticket and choose from options that included pizza, sandwiches and more. While eating, people were able to listen to live music by Project 19 located in the middle of Living Alley.
Plans for next year’s event are already underway, with the ride planned for Saturday, Aug. 24.
As far as tips for community members who want to get involved in next year’s event, many riders shared the advice of starting out slow and that, no matter the age or body type, anyone can do it.
David Stevenson, who started cycling approximately nine months ago for health benefits, said that the 25-mile ride was the longest ride he and his wife have ever done. Stevenson’s advice to someone who is thinking about picking up cycling is simple.
“Just start.”
