Hope Ride continues to evolve in 32nd year

For Hope Ride organizer Paul Ashbrook, every year is a chance to do things a little bit different. After 32 years, it is a way to keep things fresh for participants and himself.

Ashbrook estimates that there will be more than 1,000 riders this year. And the average age is 51 years old, he said.

"We are holding our numbers, which is good, because a lot of events are dropping," he said.  "Our numbers are looking good, our numbers are looking strong."

The annual bicycle ride kicks off this morning at Hauser Jr./Sr. High School and will conclude in waves of riders on the Hope Town Square. However, unlike prior years where the riders would eat at the school before the race, and then have lunch afterwards on the square, there will a non-stop brunch going on downtown, Ashbrook said. 

"We are combining breakfast and lunch and they made a baby we are calling brunch," Ashbrook said. "And that is Dollars for Scholars, which we support from Hauser... in conjunction with a couple of Scout troops. A couple of Boy Scout and Cub Scout troops will be making the brunch. It will be pancakes, it will be frittatas, we are going to have a little omelet station. We are going to have biscuits and gravy -- just about any brunch food you can imagine -- bacon, sausage, fresh fruit." 

Because of town restrictions on uses for the square, the brunch will not serve the alcoholic mimosas, Ashbrook said.

The brunch will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will feature music performed by Hope resident Danny Lee Anderson and a Bloomington duo, Davis & Devitt.

There are six routes this year, ranging from 13 to 100 miles. And this year the routes are heading mostly east and north into neighboring counties. 

This year also sees the addition of rides over covered bridges near Moscow and a street party at the stop in St. Paul. 

Ashbrook praised the numerous volunteers and agencies who take part every year, making the ride possible. 

"Like, we have the Clifford Fire Department, who is doing our (Support and Gear) today," Ashbrook said. "Which means they are out driving the course all day. So kudos to Clifford Fire Department. I have the Hope Police Department and they come out and take care of parking all of these cars in the morning. And I have got the Hope Fire Department helping them out. These are the kind of people, who I text them and say 'I need your shirt order.' And they come out and do their job." 

"They make people feel welcome. 'Hey we are Hope, we are proud of who we are.' They are just proud to show off the town. I think that is pretty cool."

The ride will be making donations to the various volunteer groups and organizations that are taking part, as well as funds for area food banks. The largest teams are also designating a food bank in their area to receive donations.

You can get more information at hoperide.org