Bikers Ride for MVUSD Sports Programs at First Ride MoVal Biking Event

What could be better to do on a bright sunny day in Moreno Valley than to go on a bike ride? For those who came out to the Moreno Valley Recreation and Convention Center to raise funds to benefit Moreno Valley Unified School District (MVUSD) sports programs, the answer was nothing. Riders gathered Sunday, Oct. 20, to compete in various distance races. Riders chose to bike 5, 15, 32 or 64 miles, with routes mostly through Moreno Valley’s parks and Lake Perris. Event sponsors included JensonUSA Bike Shop, Don’s Bicycles, and Ritual Brewery. Also attending the event were Mayor Tom Owings, Councilmember Victoria Baca, MVUSD Assistant Superintendent Dr. Martinrex Kedziora and MVUSD Trustee Jesus Holguin. Valley View High School students volunteered their time, encouraging riders and handing out food and drink at both the Celebration and Gateway parks rest stops. The ride was organized by the Moreno Valley Park and Recreation Department and the Inland Empire Biking Alliance (IEBA). As a first-year event, there are hopes of additional community rides in Moreno Valley to encourage biking. Charlye Sessner was a rider who took on the 32-mile ride that Sunday. “I had a fabulous time,” Sessner said. “The route and sag stops were great, with awesome volunteers. The entertainment, beer and food after [the fact] were a nice touch. I really hope we can do it again next year.” Rider Dave Satre believed the event was a success. "I was surprised to see a bunch of the kids from Valley View High School, where I work, cheering on the riders, volunteering their time, and supporting a great effort, which is to take back our communities so they are safe and fun for kids again. Seeing those kids made it personal for me."