Father-Son team raise money for food pantries

More than 150 bicyclists were greeted by a bright, sunny day as they rode into Ogle County early this week.

The riders were participating in the Grand Illinois Trail and Parks Ride (GITAP) 2009.

Two of the riders were a father and son team who were riding to raise money for food pantries.

Mark Wiewel and his son Matt, Quincy, rode into downtown Oregon Monday morning.

“This is our first year on this ride, but I have come through Oregon before,” said Mark. This area is really pretty. I love crossing the bridge into Oregon.”

Throughout the week, Mark and his son will ride more than 400 miles. Their goal is to raise more than $12,000 this year.

“Last year we raised $12,000 from a ride,” said Mark. “We have collected money and have asked our friends to make donations to the food pantries. After we ride, the pantries will tell us how much we raised this year.”

These two riders enjoyed their trip from Shabbona Lake State Park to Oregon.