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Waubonsee Community College invites alumni, faculty, staff, and community members of all ages and fitness levels to pedal for a purpose at its fourth annual “Bike the Burbs” event on Saturday, Nov. 7, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Staged at the Aurora Downtown Campus in the Hoyt Street Parking Lot, this free event combines outdoor recreation, family fun, and community service to directly address student food insecurity for Waubonsee students and their families.
During Bike the Burbs, attendees are encouraged to help "Stuff the Bus” by bringing nonperishable food items to fill a Waubonsee campus shuttle parked on-site. All donations directly support The G.R.O.V.E. (Gather Resources and Offer Vital Essentials), Waubonsee’s student food pantry, located in the Center for Student Assistance. The collection is in partnership with the Illinois Community College Board’s “Feed the Need Challenge,” a friendly statewide competition among Illinois community colleges to see who can collect the most non-perishable food items, running Oct. 19 through Nov. 30.
“We are very excited to once again launch two very exciting annual campus events: The “Feed the Need Challenge” and Bike the Burbs! This year, donations from both events will benefit The G.R.O.V.E.- our student food pantry that contains shelf stable pantry items and personal care items,” said Andrea Egle, Center for Student Assistance Manager. “The G.R.O.V.E food pantry is a free resource for all Waubonsee students to help meet their basic needs and is an amazing resource to help combat food insecurity within our campus community.”
Cyclists of every level will enjoy guided group rides along the Fox River Trail with dedicated volunteer support along the route. Riders can choose their own distance, up to a maximum four-mile turnaround at Harner’s Bakery. The event offers complimentary bike safety checks and free on-site loaner bicycles and helmets on a first-come, first-served basis. Both riders and spectators can enjoy complimentary pre-and post-ride snacks (while supplies last), live music, lawn games, and local refreshments from Dapper Brews Coffee and Legacy Nutrition & Fitness.
“It is so important to stay active even as the season changes,” said Emilly Rollins, Community Engagement Manager. "I love that Bike the Burbs highlights the beauty of the Fox River Trail in Waubonsee's district - plus all ages and fitness abilities are welcome!”
Community members can take part by riding at Bike the Burbs, dropping off food donations, or simply enjoying the festivities. To register and learn more, visit waubonsee.edu/biketheburbs.
