The Platte County Parks and Recreation department held the first Pedal for Platte bike ride this past weekend, drawing more than 100 to the inaugural event.
Bikes lined the street early on Saturday, Oct. 15 on Main Street in Platte City, marking the first time an event like this was held in Platte City. Chris Oryshyn of the parks and recreation department said more than $5,000 was raised through Pedal for Platte with all the proceeds going toward the local Shop with a Cop and Shop with a Deputy programs, which aid those in need of extra help around the holidays.
There were three routes available to riders – a five-mile family route, a 13-mile intermediate route and a 32-mile long route, which took participants down toward Kansas City International Airport along Prairie View Road, turned north on Bethel Road before heading to Camden Point and finally headed back to Platte City after crossing over Interstate 29 on County Road E.
Nearly 150 riders ranging from 3-years-old to 73-years-old lined up at Third and Main streets, and Platte City mayor Frank Offutt and Oryshyn welcomed them. Offutt then led participants out toward the routes.
Along with the bike ride itself, vendors set up shop along Main Street while live music was played by the School of Rock from Parkville, Mo. The parks department plans to hold a Tour de Platte event this spring which will be similar to Peddle for Platte.