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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Spokane Aurora Northwest Rotary hosts 26th annual Lilac Century and Family Fun Ride

Riders participate in the 2008 Lilac Century family bike ride starting from Spokane Falls Community College.  The Aurora Northwest Rotary hosts the annual ride now  Sunday, April 28, 2019. (Photo courtesy of Michael Conley / The Spokesman-Review archive)

The 26th annual Lilac Century and Family Fun Ride will start rolling through Spokane on Sunday as cyclists pedal distances ranging from 15 to 100 miles.

The ride is hosted by Spokane Aurora Northwest Rotary and is the club’s largest fundraiser. The group is proud to have put the race on for 26 years, said club administrator MaryAnn Dalessi.

“It’s a service to the riding community,” Dalessi said. “We draw people from multiple states and Canada. They come from far and wide, which is cool.”

There’s something for cyclists of all abilities and all rides will start at finish at Spokane Falls Community College, 3410 W. Fort George Wright Drive. The North Division Bicycle Shop will provide technical and mechanical support during the ride.

The 100-mile and 50-mile rides will go along the west side of the Spokane River, through the Long Lake area and through the West Plains. The 66-mile route uses the Centennial Trail from SFCC to Long Lake and back. There will also be a 25-mile route, a 15-mile route for individuals and a 15-mile family ride route.

The start times are staggered, with the Century (100-mile) ride kicking off first at 7 a.m. The 66-mile ride is next at 8 a.m., followed by the 50-mile ride at 9 a.m. The 25-mile, individual 15-mile and family 15-mile will all start at 10:30 a.m. More than 500 riders typically participate in the event.

The four longer routes will be timed for the first time this year, said Scott Willegalle of the North Division Bicycle Shop.

“It seems to be a really popular thing,” Willegalle said. “Everyone likes a little competition.”

Tri-athletes can also sign up for a 5K run after any of the bike routes. There will be a secure bike holding area where participants can practice their “race pace” transition.

There will be rest stops every 25 miles on the longer ride routes, Willegalle said. There will be fruit, snacks, bagels and beverages available at each rest stop.

The cost is $60 per person for the four longer rides and $50 for the 25-mile ride and the two 15-mile rides. The triathlete option is an extra $5. Those who sign up in advance will receive a long-sleeve T-shirt and access to the baked potato feed at the end of the ride.

People can register in advance online at www.lilaccentury.com or pick up a paper form at the North Division Bicycle Shop, 10503 N. Division St. Those with questions can contact lilaccentury@gmail.com.

Ride packets can be picked up at SFCC from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday and beginning at 6 a.m. Sunday. There will also be raffle tickets on sale for $2 for a Trek 7.1 FX bike sized to fit the rider with a helmet, bottle and cage.

Proceeds will benefit the club’s programs, such as college scholarships and cleft palate repair clinics. Last year the club gave a $5,000 grant to Riverpoint Academy, a STEM school in the Mead School District, to pay for science lab furniture and equipment.

The bike ride also helps support other endeavors. Every May the Aurora Northwest Rotary visits several local elementary schools and gives 900 books to low-income students. At Christmas the club provides food and gifts to between 45 and 50 families.

“The money goes back to our community,” Dalessi said.