WHITINGHAM- Twenty-nine bicyclists braved wet, chilly conditions to tackle the hills of southern Vermont and western Massachusetts in the first Hungry Lion Bike Tour on Saturday, September 29. The ride was a benefit that will help fund the Whitingham-Halifax Lions Hunger Relief program. Last year, through this program, 400 Windham County individuals received substantial amounts of essential food staples during the holidays to help during the tough winter months.

Riders were able to choose between two routes, a 34-miler or a 53-miler.

After all their hard work, the cyclists enjoyed a barbecue at Town Hill in Whitingham and no rider went home empty-handed because of the many prizes donated by local businesses.

Tour director Joe Specht said, “We are delighted that everyone raved about the event and are especially thankful for the efforts of the participants to raise money to help fight hunger. We expect that our hunger-relief program will be substantially better funded as a result of the rides. Of course fundraisers in our community are always enhanced by donations from local businesses and we want to give them a shoutout. And I want to thank the members of the Lions organizing committee: Julie Muller, Nancy Caldwell, and Mark Hanna. This could not have happened without their efforts and the support of the whole Whitingham-Halifax Lions Club.”

Next year’s ride will be on September 28.