How are Rotary Club members and bicycles alike? They both may be underappreciated vehicles for goodness and kindness.

Rotary Club of Lancaster Sunrise's upcoming Ride for the Community promotes the relationship that exists between the local cycling community and altruism. It also serves as an opportunity for individuals to explore what Rotary Clubs do.

"You don't have to be a particularly avid, trained athlete to come out and do it," said Steve Bell, one of Ride for the Community's directors. "We're trying to expand our impact on the community by encouraging participation. I think Rotary, in many ways, is the impetus to participate. We're trying to introduce community service through bike riding. We think Rotary is an underutilized means to participate in the community and do good in the community."

A recreational ride and not a race, the 20th edition of the annual Ride for the Community will take place on Saturday, June 15, at Manheim Township Community Park, located at the corner of Petersburg Road and Rotary Road, Lancaster. The ride will begin at 9 a.m., and participants can register the day of the event or prior to it by going to http://www.active.com/lititz-pa/cycling/races/rotary-ride-for-the-community-2024.

"You're enjoying it with other people with the support we provide," said Bell. "It's a supported group activity. Bicycling is cool. It's individuals, but you're enjoying our ride with a hundred other people. Just like Rotary, we're individuals in the community, but we're not doing it by ourselves. I think a lot of people should just try something different as a family."

Rotary Club of Lancaster Sunrise's Ride for the Community offers cyclists various course lengths - a 10-mile ride, a 21-mile ride and a 43-mile ride, as well as combinations of those distances. From Manheim Township Community Park, the courses take riders north and east through Lancaster County's scenic landscape before returning to the park.

The fully marked courses include built-in water and rest stops. Snacks and lunch will also be provided.

"The way the courses are set up, you're in scenic farmland, prime countryside," said Bell. "You're in very scenic areas where you can enjoy the nature of Lancaster County, and you're not in a car. You experience it in a way that you can't in a car."

"In these modern times, more and more events are held inside," continued Bell. "We're outside increasing heart rates. There are definite health benefits to riding. It's a healthy break from technology."

Bell is expecting more than 100 cyclists of varying experience levels for the Ride for the Community. All proceeds from the sponsored event will benefit Rotary Club of Lancaster Sunrise's community and global projects.

"It's one of the most enjoyable days of the year for our club," said Bell of the ride. "Rotary really offers people an avenue to serve the community and to network. It's really about professional development and community service."

"We do attract cycling enthusiasts from across the region," Bell noted. "I'd like to see more casual riders come out."

Affiliated with Rotary International, Lancaster Sunrise was chartered in 1997 and features 45 members. The club, whose motto is "Service Above Self," meets every Thursday at 7:15 a.m. at Bent Creek Country Club, 620 Bent Creek Drive, Lititz.