VNA Lorie’s Lakeside Century Bike Ride Remembers A Dear Friend On A Beautiful Day

On a cool, crisp Saturday morning, bikers of all ages were saddled and ready to begin the ride at VNA Lorie's Lakeside Century!  Beginning and finishing at the Liberty Bible Church, 824 N. Calumet, Chesterton, the ride included the beautiful scenery of the Lake Michigan shoreline and canopies of tree-lined rural county roads.  The varying distances of 28, 38, ,38, 63, 80 and 100 miles, would be determined by each participant and included SAG (rest) stops along the way.

The annual event is held in memory of Lorie Kirkley, a cardiac rehab nurse and avid cyclist, who lost her life to a violent crime in 1999.  Lori was a regular participant in the event. The event would benefit the Visiting Nurse Association of Porter County, a local non-profit organization providing home health and hospice care services to those in need in the community.

"We're honored to be a part of remembering Lorie and supporting the programs and services of the VNA in her memory.  Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and our riders, we'll raise more than $20,000 this year.  Lorie's Lakeside Century not only raises funds, it also helps raise awareness of the care the VNA provides for those in need of nursing care, therapy, hospice or supportive services such as Meals on Wheels." said Maria Galka, VP of Development, VNA.

A staple to the event, a jolly, 90 year old, Lonnie Benham, has volunteered at the ride for 8 years.  At his booth were various tires, tools and mechanical repair devices to help ensure a safe journey for the riders.  "My Sunday School teacher got me started with 11 bicycle frames when I was 12 years old and I've been working on them ever since,” he said.

As the ride began,  although the sky was cloudy and overcast with the threat of rain, It didn't affect the happy demeanor of the estimated 600 eager riders.

"My family, friends and I have enjoyed biking and participating in cycling events."  said Jim Spanopoulos, VNA Lakeside Century Ride Chairperson. "Our skills combined with the organizational expertise of the VNA, have created an event that now attracts riders from a 7 state area." He became involved because, "Like our other volunteers, I just want to pay it back and pay it forward."

The success of this event is due to the 100 volunteers, all whose lives have been touched by the VNA,” added Spanopoulos.  Along with the host of VNA volunteers, 13 young men and women of the Thomas Jefferson Middle School National Honor Society, were on hand to give assistance.

Elizabeth Adamczyk, a Chicago native, came to the ride in honor of her uncle who once volunteered for the VNA and was later cared for by them.  "This ride blends my passion, hobby and enjoyment with being able to honor his life as well." she said. "I've been doing the ride as long as I can remember."

While visiting the SAG stops,  where riders would rest and graze on fruits, veggies, and carbohydrate and protein loaded snacks, smiles were abound as riders enjoyed the short rest, the food, and conversation of fellow bikers.   At the Art Barn SAG stop,  riders were welcomed by the sweet harmonic sounds of Wolfgang, a group of female vocalists from Hobart High School who travel to perform at charity events.  "This is the 4th year we've done this.  We love it!," said Dean Wolff, Choir Director at Hobart High School. "It's good to be able to give something back."

Bob Kirkley, Lori's husband, made the long journey from Columbus, Ohio early that morning to participate in the ride.  "It's always been very well done and seems to attract a lot of people.  It's a beautiful ride along the lake.  I've been up here every year and we usually have varying members of the family attend. I think Lori would have been overwhelmed with the event.  She'd love it!  The staff and volunteers are always so nice."

William R. Jones, Lori's father, was also in attendance.  "I've been trying to support the ride for Lori ever since it began. I think the organization is doing a wonderful job to keep her memory alive."

As the riders completed their route, they were warmly greeted and served a delicious hot meal featuring Strongbow's turkey and mashed potatoes,  lasagna, Fair Oak's Farm ice cream and the famous roasted corn on the cob by Jim Shaw.  "This is my 2nd year here.  It's a big hit!," said Shaw.

Enjoying their meal, old acquaintances reminisced about the previous rides at the Lakeside Century and as new friends discussed the highlights of the current one.  As they left for the day, there were smiles, hugs, handshakes and the much repeated phrase, "See you next year!"

The many generous sponsors of this event are:

Platinum Sponsor:  Porter Health System, Urschel Laboratories, Inc. Gold Sponsor:  Family Express Silver Sponsor:  Emerson Industrial Automation, Home Mountain Printing, Fair Oaks Farms, Bill & Karen Higbie, Fagen Pharmacy,  The Jones & Kirkley Families. Bronze Sponsor:  Buck's Bicycle Shop, FirstCare, Oil N Go, Task Force Tips, Inc., Cindy Sausman, General Insurance Services, Inc., Coastal Valley Water Company, Vein Association of NW IN LLC/Dr. Amjad Alkadri & Dr. Vivek Mishra. Copper Sponsor:  Schoolhouse Shop, Dr. Douglas Mazurek, Philips Ace Hardware, Martin Binder Jeweler, Inc. Lunch Sponsor:  Strongbow

For more information about Visiting Nurse Association of Porter County, located at 2401 Valley Drive, Valparaiso, IN, you may reach them at 219-462-5195 or visit their website at www.VNAportercounty.org

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