Ride rolls east from Laketown
“Come on, dad, let’s hurry up!” the 9-year-old yelled across the
massage shanghai parking lot at Laketown Township Hall, Thursday morning. His dad, Steve, was getting out of his wheelchair and onto his bicycle as more than a dozen other riders prepared to start the third Great Lakes Independence Ride — the IRide. dhw83 “I do whatever I can to support and raise money,” said the Traverse City man, chairman of the Disability/Network of Northern Michigan. The event raises funds that are distributed among the centers for independent living throughout the state, including Holland — groups that advocate for people with disabilities. Alicia Stack, 20, from Royal Oak, raised almost $600 in pledges. “It should be a great experience and a bunch of fun,” she said as her sister, Christina, signed her in. This is Stack’s first ride. She’s making the entire four-day
full Body Massage in shanghai trip from the lakeshore to Ann Arbor. Riders cover about 50 miles a day. The first day was to Grand Rapids, then to Lansing, Jackson and Ann Arbor. dhw83 Food, overnight lodging and shanghai massage therapy are provided by volunteers and sponsors. “The philosophy of the ride is that we’re all going to work together and help each other out,” organizer Glen Ashlock, sports and recreation director for the Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living, told the riders. “We’re not going to leave anybody behind.” Organizers said the event not only raises money but also the self-esteem of the riders. Carolyn Grawi, who is visually impaired, was taking her first IRide. She said she was glad to have companions along. “It’s a long trip, and I need someone to tell me not to ride off a cliff,” she laughed. Chapman had lots of support Thursday as he and Dillon pulled out. His sister, Lynn Batchelder, of Grand Haven,
massage in shanghai was joining him for the full four days.
