Attention Jewish cyclists: Here’s another bike ride to put on your calendar.
The Contra Costa Jewish Community Center and Jewish Family and Children’s Services of the East Bay are sponsoring the Diablo Century bike ride, set for April 26. This new ride will raise funds for both organizations.
“At last year’s Picnic Fest, we had a sign-up list for people who would be interested in Jewish cycling,” said Jamie Hyams, executive director of the Contra Costa JCC. “We had 20 names in two hours. From that, we decided to do something more formal.”
The Diablo Century will feature three different routes, each one varying in distance but all beginning at the CCJCC in Walnut Creek. The 100-kilometer route (62 miles) will take riders to the backside of Mount Diablo and the hills of Tri-Valley; cyclists on the 100-mile course will follow, and finish with a jaunt to Castro Valley and a climb to Moraga; and participants in the 25-mile route will journey through the scenic hills of Danville and Alamo.
All routes will have scattered rest stops, complete with water, fruit and other snacks. Support and gear vehicles will be traveling throughout the courses to repair mechanical breakdowns if necessary. A kosher barbecue lunch will be provided for all participants at the finish area.
“We hope to raise our visibility and give people another opportunity to get involved in our organization,” said Joy Plummer, development director for JFCS of the East Bay. “Many of the riders aren’t Jewish, and we want them to feel like they’re a part of our community.”
Plummer anticipates about 250 riders will be participating, which means a slew of volunteers will be needed. Plummer said coordinators are looking to fill about 100 jobs, including registration, prepping and cooking for the barbecue, volunteer check-in and marking each course.
The Diablo Century is one of a few Bay Area cycling events that raise money for Jewish causes. The fourth Foothill Century, sponsored by the South Peninsula Hebrew Day School, will take place May 17; and the Mitzvah Milers, a group of more than 150 predominantly Jewish cyclists, ride in many local fundraisers.
Several CCJCC participate in the AIDS/LifeCycle Ride, which starts in San Francisco and ends in Los Angeles.
As for the Diablo Century, both Hyams and Plummer agreed they want people to have fun and get to know the JCC and JFCS of the East Bay.
Added Plummer: “Participants are helping organizations that are taking care of people in the community by providing cultural and spiritual opportunities.”
For more information about the Diablo Century bike ride, visit www.ccjcc.org. To volunteer, contact Kathryn Winogura at kwinogura@jfcs-east bay.org. Information: (925) 938-7800.