OVERLAND PARK, KS -- More than 200 indoor cyclists got their hearts pumping and raised money for a good cause during the eighth annual Ride to Nowhere at the Athletic Club of Overland Park. Individuals and teams of five cyclists competed to see who could ride the most miles within the 30-minute time frame.
Julie Heitkamp, club manager and spinning instructor, logged just under 21 miles in half and hour. She participated in the event last year at 24 Hour Fitness and approached the MS Achievement Center about sponsoring the stationary bike race at her club this year. While the event took some manpower, she says it was very well organized and easy to get involved with.
"It helps present fitness in a fun way to the community and is a win-win for everyone," she said. "There is a lot of camaraderie."
The majority of the participants weren't members of the Athletic Club, so she was also able to give away guest passes, she said. About 10 of her indoor cycling students participated in the event. For the eighth annual Ride to Nowhere, three teams of five and three individuals competed simultaneously from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. At the end of the day, prizes were awarded to the top finishers.
Gloria Aguilar, event coordinator, says the Ride to Nowhere is an excellent opportunity for a health club to reach the community and allow cyclists to compete for a good cause. The proceeds from the event benefited the Mid America MS Achievement Center, which was established in 1995 to provide therapeutic services for individuals with a progressive form of MS