Break the Cycle: Recovery is not a race; it’s a ride
For those on foot, the 5k route is on sidewalks through the downtown area. Participants are invited to walk, stroll or jog.
Longtime Wooster resident Linda Houston has been involved with OneEighty in a wide variety of ways for many years. She has been board president of both STEPS and Everywoman’s House prior to the creation OneEighty and continues to participate in events that promote and raise funds for the organization.
In its seventh year, Break the Cycle is one of OneEighty’s annual fundraisers. The Wooster event consists of either a bike ride or 5k and will take place on Saturday, Aug. 25.
OneEighty’s auxiliary support group, the OneEighty Risers, sponsors Break the Cycle. The group’s mission is to reduce the stigma surrounding the issue of addiction and to support the treatment/prevention activities of OneEighty. The event was created to celebrate recovery and encourage wellness.
“There is a wonderful, free lunch provided after the event,” said Bobbi Douglas, executive director of OneEighty. “Barbecued brisket has been generously donated by Certified Angus Beef with other donations from Kentucky Chicken, the Wooster Inn and other generous donors. The presenting sponsor this year is Wayne Insurance.”
Douglas said all the donations mean more of the proceeds are applied directly toward treatment and prevention programs. “Typically we raise approximately $20,000,” she said. “None of these funds are being used toward our current capital campaign but go directly to help provide treatment to people in our community as well as prevention programs for young people.”
Event coordinator Brenda Linnick said people in recovery would be participating in Break the Cycle. “Many folks who have loved ones both facing or lost to addiction will join in,” she said.
Both the Break the Cycle bike ride and the walk begin and end at the Wayne County Fairgrounds, 199 Vanover St., Wooster.
Community members are invited to participate on their own or as a team. Teams of 10 or more receive a $5 per person discount off the $35 registration fee. Once an individual or team is registered, they are encouraged to ask for sponsors.
Participants choose a bike ride or a walk downtown. The bike ride consists of either a 22-, 48- or 67-mile drive through scenic Wayne and Holmes counties.
“The bicycle routes selected will remind participants of the beauty of healthy living,” Linnick said. “The walking route will enable participants to learn more about the work being accomplished by OneEighty.”
The 22-mile ride is a gentle ride on Wayne County’s back roads. The 48-mile ride is moderately challenging and includes 3,000 feet of climbing with back-country views.
Experienced, fit riders are invited to sign up for the challenging 67-mile ride. Traversing Wayne and Holmes counties, this ride includes over 5,000 feet of elevation gain with multiple steep hill climbs.
For those on foot, the 5k route is on sidewalks through the downtown area. Participants are invited to walk, stroll or jog.
Lunch and a T-shirt are included in the entry fee. Bike registration and sign-in will open from 7-9 a.m. The 67-mile riders will depart from 7:30-8 a.m. with the other departure times staggered, the 48-mile ride departing from 8:30-9 a.m. and the 22-mile ride from 9:30-10 a.m.
Walk registration will be from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Walkers will depart between 10 and 10:30 a.m.
Lunch for all participants will be served at the fairgrounds from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will conclude at 4 p.m.
“There is a passion for the mission of this event by the volunteers,” Linnick said. “They gave it the tag line, ‘Recovery is not a race; it’s a ride.’ That comes of knowing how addiction impacts the lives of everyone including the families of those touched by addiction. OneEighty has a history of leading substance-abuse prevention, treatment and recovery here in both Wayne and Holmes counties. The agency continues to work to stay abreast of the latest documented treatment methodologies.”
Houston said OneEighty and Douglas do a tremendous amount for the community, more than most people realize. “The people who work at OneEighty are putting forth more effort than you can even imagine,” she said.
For more information and to register online, visit www.classy.org/event/break-the-cycle-benefit/e180865. Day-of-event registrations are welcome as well. Sign up at the fairgrounds registration desk.