Rider Colin Alexander (left) and ride organizer Cory Longmire were ready for the epic 100 kilometre bike ride, which raised funds for the Saugeen Shores chapter of Youth for Christ June 10.

Hub Staff

Sixty-eight cyclists from a handful of Youth for Christ (YFC) chapters descended on Saugeen Shores as the local chapter hosted the seventh annual Tour for Teens cycling event June 10.

The full 100 kilometre tour took riders from Port Elgin United Church to Southampton then Sauble Beach, over to Grey County, to Tara then back to Port Elgin with shorter routes at 25 and 50 kilometres also available.

A total of 13 riders from the local chapters raised $3,537 that will stay in the community, said organizer Cory Longmire. “We’re looking at getting a youth centre and I think that’s one of our main goals,” he said.

Longmire believes that there is something missing in the community for youth, especially in the winter. “In the summer there’s beaches and there’s stuff to do, but in winter there’s not a lot and I think having a Youth Centre and keeping them doing stuff that isn't what they're doing now... the partying and the getting on.”

The Saugeen Shore YFC is committed to helping youth develop holistically by offering programs and developing relationships that nurture the whole person – physically, mentally, emotionally, socially and spiritually. Longmire plans different events for teens in the community and even checks in with local youth for coffee. Beyond having a drop-in centre for youth the local chapter is interested in creating a concert in the area as well as youth mission trips.

Youth for Christ chapters from Woodstock to Saugeen Shores had to raise a minimum of $300 to participate, however the riders pictured above raised more than $1,000 for their local Youth For Christ chapters.

Cycling sisters of Saugeen Shores included, from left, Erin Szumsky, Katherine Catto, Laura Kranenburg, Cindy Herby, Karen Kerker, Lynda Palinsky, Nicole Pries and Tina Aasman.

Riders involved could choose from riding a 25, 50 or 100 kilometre route that took riders to Grey County and back.