Wheels for Wheels Bike-A-Thon Brings in More Than $7,000

Though totals are still being tallied, one thing is for sure — the Wheels for Wheels Bike-A-Thon held Saturday, May 12, at the riverfront trail surpassed the $6,000 goal organizers had set.

“I think it was awesome” said Sophie Straatmann, one of the organizers. “We definitely reached our goal and I think everyone had fun.”

It is estimated that the event will bring in just over $7,000 for the Jaycees.

The event, in its second year, was organized by five local girls ages 10-13 to raise funds for the Washington Jaycees All-Abilities Park.

“It’s always great to see how much this project means to the community,” Aimee Frey, administrative vice president of the Washington Jaycees said. “The fact that it’s (organized) by a bunch of proactive youth speaks volumes on how much this project means to the community. We’re very proud of them.”

Julie Straatmann, Sophie Straatmann’s mom, said weather cooperated perfectly and more than 100 people participated in the event.

Sophie Straatmann thanked sponsors and riders from Revolution Cycles, who also participated in the bike-a-thon, which she said was one of her favorite aspects of this year’s event.

“It made me excited to have (riders from Revolution Cycles) there,” she said, adding that she and her friends will “definitely” host the event again next year.