Cyclists to pedal for two charities

Spin cycles, also known as stationary bikes, can be used for burning calories, working off stress, or even generating electricity. On May 12, the spin bikes at the Montana Athletic Club will be used to generate funding for the Bigfork Food Pantry and Montana Wounded Warriors.

The third annual “Will Spin For Food” spin cycling fundraiser will be held at the MAC on May 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The previous two fundraisers raised $3,500 each year for the Bigfork Food Pantry, and the Montana Wounded Warriors was added this year.

Spin bike experience and a MAC membership are not necessary for participation, just the drive to help others. All ages are welcome.

Event organizer, Peter Leander, thought up the fundraiser during the early part of the recession in 2009.

“I’m a huge Springsteen fan, and as I was listening to him on my spin bike I thought to myself that I could get more out of it than just my own sweat,” Leander said. “It’s not an athletic event, we’ve had little kids and grandmas that have never been on a spin bike.”

Cyclists gather sponsors who contribute based on the amount of time peddled, distance, or with a flat rate donation. Then on the day of the fundraiser, MAC’s spin bikes will be reorganized in a circle formation so cyclists can see each other while they peddle for charity.

The first fundraiser was held in 2010 with 40 participants and 50 took part last year. Leander anticipates a larger turnout this year.

“I rallied up the troops, Bigfork being the volunteer capital of the world and all,” Leander said. “It’s really been positive, particularly in times like these, it’s local and there’s a clear need with the pantry and Wounded Warriors.”

Prizes donated by local businesses will be given out about every 30 minutes while cyclists peddle, socialize, and listen to music.

Pledge forms are available in Bigfork at Montana Bear Foods, The Jug Tree, Bigfork Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Law Office of Peter Leander. Pledge forms are also available at Wheaton’s in Kalispell.

“Will Spin For Food” would like to give special thanks to their sponsors, Bigfork Drug, Hammer Nutrition, Harvest Foods, Pine Cone Media, jgotschalk design, Culinary Design, Eva Gates, When in Rome, Montana Bear Food, The Jug Tree, Leander Law Office, and Tana Leander, LCSW.

For more information or to sign up for a bike time slot, contact Peter Leander at 250-4149.