Defenders of Potential Add Virtual Component
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida (BBBSNWFL), along with the West Florida Wheelmen Bicycle Club will present the annual Fenner Ride on Oct. 31st, 2020. And this year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and respect to social distancing, BBBSNWFL has added a new virtual participation element to this anticipated cycling event, which will be held at the Milton Community Center located at 5629 Byrom St. Milton, Fla.
This cycling event is dedicated to the memory of Fenner McConnell and Matt Wantz. Both men were avid cyclists and former members of the West Florida Wheelmen. Dr. Fenner McConnell, a medical examiner for a four-county district in the Panhandle, was killed in 1998 by a hit-and-run driver as he rode his bicycle across the Bob Sikes Bridge, which connects Pensacola to Santa Rosa Island. Matt was tragically killed while working in a local bike shop.
Adding a virtual element will expand this event and allow people to participate on their own time from anywhere in the world. This option is for individuals who want to participate but may not be local and prefer to stay away from a crowd. Just like the in-person ride, the virtual option will allow individuals to pick from an 18, 42, 62, or 100-mile ride. Each ride will have a map that can be used to guide individuals throughout their route, or riders can set out on their own route riding their preferred distance. Once their ride is finished, they will be able to submit their time through a virtual platform called, RunSignUp. All participants virtual and in-person will receive a t-shirt, medal, and a promotional gift bag.
Early registration is taking place now, through Oct. 16th, 2020. Registration is $45 for both the in-person and virtual ride option. After Oct. 16th, registration prices will increase to $55. For those who are participating locally, registration packets can be picked up at 1320 Creighton Rd. Pensacola, Fla. on Oct. 30th from noon – 7 p.m. the morning of the ride.
Day-of ride registration will begin at 6:30 a.m. (CST). The 100-mile riders will begin at 7:30 a.m., with the remaining riders beginning at 8 a.m. BBBSNWFL is taking ample precautions to ensure the health and safety of all participants is the top priority.
You can sign up for Fenner Ride and purchase a jersey by visiting, bbbsnwfl.org/event/fenner-ride. This is a ride for all cycling levels, so don’t miss this opportunity to participate from anywhere in the world! All proceeds from this event benefit BBBSNWFL.
