Much-Needed Funds Raised at Annual “Ride with the Camels” Cycling Tour

Beautiful Weather Draws 400+ Riders to Make Country Roads 2018 a Success for Three Area Non-Profits

GOSHEN – The forecast of a perfect Hudson Valley September day drew more than 400 riders to Warwick Town Park for the annual Country Roads charity cycling event on the last Sunday of summer. Co-hosted by the Orange County Bicycle Club and Catholic Charities of Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster, the popular charity bike tour raised $21,000 to be shared between the 2018 beneficiaries Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County, Catholic Charities, and The Sanctuary for Animals, home to the beloved camels that give the Tour its nickname – the Ride with the Camels.

“The Country Roads Tour is an outstanding collaborative effort each year,” said Bill Stelz, President of the Orange County Bicycle Club (OCBC). “It is thanks to the hard work and generous support of our OCBC members, volunteers, sponsors, and community partners that the Tour is a success. Together we raise much-needed funds for Big Brothers Big Sisters, Catholic Charities, and the Sanctuary for Animals so they may provide help to those in need,” added Stelz.

The Bike Tour started and finished at Warwick Town Park. Riders chose from 10-, 25-, 45-, and 65-mile routes and could ride at their own pace or with groups lead by an experienced Bike Club member. Along the scenic routes, riders had access to rest stops staffed by Bike Club volunteers and stocked with beverages, home-baked treats and other refreshments, and restroom facilities. Many riders also stopped to pose for photos with the Tour’s most popular supporters – the camels.

“We are extremely fortunate to have the Orange County Bicycle Club as a community partner,” said Kristin Jensen, Catholic Charities’ Chief Advancement Officer. “It takes the hard work, dedication, and generosity of so many to organize a great day for cyclists, and a successful fundraiser for our beneficiary non-profit organizations that provide important programs and services in our community,” added Jensen.

Finishing up at Warwick Town Park, riders enjoyed live music by The Hip Replacements, lunch catered by ShopRite Supermarkets, and cold drinks provided by Pepsi Cola of the Hudson Valley.  Orange Regional Medical Center supported the Tour as a premier sponsor.  Other sponsors included Tel-Networks USA, A. Gurda Produce, Dr. & Mrs. John Carey, Advanced Podiatry Care of Orange County, Ball Corp., Devine Design, Gerard Associates, Jellybean Promotions, Steven P. Lieberman, Esq., McNeilly Wood Products, Middletown Medical, and Resource Recovery Center of Orange County. Donations of supplies were made by Abbey Ice & Spring Water, Joe Fix Its, Pepsi Cola of the Hudson Valley, ShopRite Supermarkets, Central Deli, and WB Mason.

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Cutline 1: Posing for their annual picture with Martin the Camel are co-chairs of the 2018 Country Roads Tour – the Ride with the Camels – (l-r) Peggy Cullen, Bill Stelz, and Kristin Jensen.

Cutline 2: Cyclists line up to launch the 65-mile ride at the 2018 Country Roads Tour in Warwick Town Park. The annual charity bike tour is co-hosted by the Orange County Bicycle Club and Catholic Charities, and benefits Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County, Catholic Charities, and the Sanctuary for Animals.