Patterson Farm Market Hosts Great Berry Ride

By David Freeze

More than 80 cyclists left Patterson Farm Market Saturday morning on rides of 20, 40 and 60 miles.

The ride is non-competitive, although there is an award given for those who want to push themselves to a fast finish in their respective distances.

The fastest 20-mile rider was Lindsay Krueger in 79 minutes and 59 seconds. She was followed closely by Tim Safrit in 80 minutes and 4 seconds.

Top 40-mile cyclists was Chad Collins in 2 hours, 8 minutes and 33 seconds. Danielle Saroka-Jones was the fastest female in 2 hours, 27 minutes and 43 seconds.

Leading the 60-mile riders was Randy Cress in 3 hours, 1 minute and 47 seconds. Crystal Karriker led the females with a time of 3 hours, 2 minutes and 22 seconds.

All three courses were well marked with signs and arrows, allowing riders to casually ride or test their limits.

All proceeds for the event go to the Rowan County United Way and Rowan Hospice and Palliative Care. Sponsors for the event included Patterson Farm Market and Tours, Cheerwine, United Church of Christ, Cloninger Ford/Toyota/ Scion, friends of Rowan Hospice, Palliative Care and Rowan County United Way, Salisbury Rowan Runners, Shari and Bill Graham, Skinny Wheels Bike Shop, Miller Davis, Novant Health, Pinnacle Orthopedic, Bank of North Carolina, Carolina Farm Credit, F&M Bank and Pinocchio’s Restaurant.

Berry Ride Director Michelle Patterson said, “This event gets more exciting every year. We have riders coming here from across the state. Thanks to the West Rowan Fire Department and the Rowan County Rescue Squad for helping to keep the riders safe. All the volunteers gave their time so that we could make a large contribution to the United Way and Hospice and Palliative Care. Some of the volunteers have worked on this ride for six months. I want to thank everyone involved, including the sponsors. I hope all the cyclists enjoyed seeing western Rowan and parts of Iredell. This is a beautiful rural area.”

Complete results can be found on www.salisburyrowanrunners.org

See more at: www.salisburypost.com/2015/05/31/patterson-farm-market-hosts-great-berry-ride/#sthash.kBQj19XS.dpuf