On September 10, thirty-one cyclists enthusiastically took to the shoulders of Highways 60 and 35 for the third annual Mark’s Ride.<\/p>\n
The event is named for local lawyer Mark Reid who died in August 2015. He loved his profession and cycling was one of his favourite pastimes, so just weeks after his death friends hastily organized a charity ride in his name with proceeds going to a scholarship fund for local law students. Riders are asked to make a minimum $50 donation to the fund.<\/p>\n
Now in its third year, the event has become a beloved means for Reid’s friends to honour his memory.<\/p>\n
This year’s ride was rerouted due to construction in Algonquin Park, with cyclists instead travelling west on Highway 60 from the Oxtongue Community Centre to Dwight and then continuing south on Highway 35 to one of several turnaround points depending on how long each planned to ride. It was a beautiful, sunny day, one of just a handful like it this summer.<\/p>\n
On their return to Oxtongue, the riders enjoyed camaraderie and a barbecue prepared by event volunteers.<\/p>\n
Applications to the scholarship fund are open to Muskoka residents who are entering or enrolled in law school. An award is made the summer following each ride with the winner receiving all of the money raised at the previous year\u2019s ride.<\/p>\n
Through this year’s ride and other fundraising events, organizers hope to meet or exceed last year’s total which resulted in a $4,000 scholarship for local law student Michelle Staples<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n\n\t\t