More than 330 bicyclists turned out to begin a new chapter in the 26-year history of Mary Bridge Children's Hospital's Courage bicycling event at it took to new routes this year through Eatonville, Pack Forest and Chehalis.
All donor contributions to Mary Bridge Children's Courage go to patient care and family support at Mary Bridge. This year's event has raised more than $250,000.
“We're so grateful to the hundreds of riders and volunteers who helped make the event a success,” said Michelle Sabia, manager of this year's ride that was staged Aug. 25-26.
The Mary Bridge Children's Courage, formerly known as the Courage Classic, relocated in part to avoid construction on mountain passes. The new venue also allowed organizers to create different-length rides to support varying ability levels, including a children's ride.
Riders for the two-day event started from Centralia High School, while the shorter rides left from Eatonville High School. Both rides ended in Pack Forest, where riders were treated to dinner and live music and got to meet Mary Bridge patients who attended as special guests.
Sabia said community support for the event has been very strong.
“Eatonville was an absolute dream for us. From the town officials to the business owners to the mayor who made an appearance at the Rainier Family Ride to welcome us, every person in Eatonville made us feel warm and welcomed,” Sabia said. “We're eager to come back again for years to come.”
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