news-record.com

GIBSONVILLE — Cyclists will pedal through rural northeastern Guilford County on Saturday to raise awareness about the obesity epidemic.

The event includes a 15-mile “fun ride” for families or new cyclists as well as 31- and 62-mile rides.

“It’s healthy, and it’s not a competition,” said Leslie Armeniox, director of Get Healthy Guilford. “A lot of people can cycle, even if maybe they haven’t done it in a while.”

Proceeds from registration fees will benefit Get Healthy Guilford, a coalition of organizations and individuals in Guilford County. The group promotes eating smart, moving more and safely achieving a healthy weight.

In North Carolina, one in three children is obese, Armeniox said. The extra weight significantly increases the child’s risk for heart disease, type II diabetes, hypertension, stroke and some cancers.

The ride is a way to “walk the talk,” Armeniox said. Also, the coalition “wanted to show off ... the beautiful wine country, beautiful farm country” in eastern Guilford County.

The coalition timed the event so that cyclists can enjoy the trees’ fall colors.

The rides begin and end at Grove Winery. Rest stops include Northeast Park and Calico Farmstead Cheese Co., where participants can sample its products.

Lunch with wine or other beverage will be provided after the ride. Sweetwater, a local folk/bluegrass band, will provide entertainment, and door prizes from Cycles de Oro will be given away.

Get Healthy Guilford is funded by a grant from the Moses Cone-Wesley Long Community Health Foundation in partnership with the YMCA. The ride is being sponsored by the YMCA, Grove Winery and Vineyards, Cycles de Oro, Earth Fare and several other partners.

Contact Jamie Kennedy Jones at 449-4610 or jamie.kennedy@news-record.com