Bikers set to circle Lake Wallenpaupack in support of clean water
Ride for the Lake bikers are getting set to rev up their motors for the tenth annual loop around Lake Wallenpaupack, as part of Wally Lake Fest 2022. Proceeds from the ride benefit keeping the very lake they circle, pure and clean. To date over $51,000 has been raised.
The ride is set for Saturday, August 27. Bikers, who need to register for the event, are to assemble at the Wallenpaupack Area High School north parking lot at 10 a.m. for the ride which starts at 10:45.
They travel a loop of 41 miles, taking roads as close as they can to the lake. The listed duration is three hours.
The popular motorcycle event is hosted by Lake Wallenpaupack Watershed Management District (LWWMD), a nonprofit organization in place since 1979.
District board member Brian N. Schan, an avid biker who first proposed the event commented at the August LWWMD board meeting, "I'm getting a lot of good feedback. I hope this 10-year one will be a record-breaker for us."
Nicholas Spinelli, LWWMD Administrator, reported that they had raised $7,150 in sponsorships for the 2022 ride. Since the first Ride for the Lake in 2012, they have had a net income of $51,709 after expenses.
Each of the bikers and his or her passengers wear a distinctive Ride for the Lake T-shirt.
Of interest:Team monitors Lake Wallenpaupack for algae blooms. Here's how you can help curb pollution
Riding the 'caboose' each year
Lennie James, a musician and payroll accountant from Tafton, has participated in the ride since the beginning. After taking a motorcycle safety course he bought a 1992 Honda Nighthawk from a roadside display.
"Because I don't want to 'push' my vintage bike, I always prefer to be the 'caboose' when we take off with my headlight and rear-end flasher," James said. He said that it is nice to support the Watershed District's mission in keeping Lake Wallenpaupack as "beautiful, scenic and environmentally clean for all to enjoy."
The first year, they had 64 motorcycles and 94 people riding them. Participation has varied with the weather, but the only year they canceled the ride was 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Participation was on the low side in 2021, attributed to a threat of rain and COVID concerns. There were 51 motorcycles and 61 people attending. Still, the event raised close to $6,500 to support the Watershed's mission.
Schan stated that he believes their biggest turnout was in 2018, with over 130 motorcycles.
He said that when he first proposed the idea to the board, he had no idea how it would grow and be so successful. "As it continues to grow and become a tradition," Schan said. "It’s a thrill, not only to see the number of riders grow each year, but to see the supporters along our route, waiting to see how many motorcycles will pass by. We have had everything from a simple wave, to pictures, video and even someone in a T-Rex costume!"
Asked what he likes most about the event, Schan said: "The ride to me has a special place in my heart because it shows what a community and motorcycle riders can do together. I like seeing the smiles on the riders as they enter to register. It also is a special time for me because my family gathers to support me and helps make sure the ride is a success to continue to support the protection our great Lake Wallenpaupack."
"We have had many sponsors who continue to support this cause year after year. We look forward to adding more and more sponsors every year." Schan continued. "I cannot thank all the sponsors and riders enough for all their continuous and dedicated support over the last 10 years."
The organization that looks out for Lake Wally
A nonprofit organization, LWWMD coordinates water quality monitoring and analysis, conducts public education about how to help keep the lake clean, and assists lakefront owners and others in the watershed to prevent or correct pollution issues threatening the lake ecosystem. Their 2022 budgeted expenses are $152,282.00.
This is the second year the three-day festival is being run by the Chamber of the Northern Poconos, having accepted the reins from Downtown Hawley Partnership following the 2019 event.
For more information on LWWMD and protecting Lake Wallenpaupack water quality visit wallenpaupackwatershed.org or call 570-226-3865
This article originally appeared on Tri-County Independent: 2022 Ride for the Lake set to coincide with Wally Lake Fest
