FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Looking to relieve some stress this weekend' Then hop on a bicycle and join the Fort Jackson Community for a Ride-Away Mountain Bike Ride.
A 10.1-mile "trail" has been mapped out on pavement across the installation that is designed to challenge adults while not being too tough for children. The event is slated 8:30 a.m. to noon Saturday.
"This is not geared toward a competition," said Michelle Ingram, co-event organizer. "We want everyone to just get out and ride away from stress, to better health or to lose a few vanity pounds."
Ingram, the installation's Risk Reduction Program coordinator, a component program under the Army Substance Abuse Program, brainstormed the idea for the event with Fort Jackson police officer Lionel Brown as a way to bring the Fort Jackson Community closer together and encourage family/unit cohesion.
"We are really trying to make this a big event," Brown said. "It is a way for Soldiers and Army civilians to relieve stress and also bring families together for a fun time."
The ride will begin and end at the Solomon Center. From the center, the route goes down Marion Street, along Ewell Road and up Ivy Road. It then continues to Semmes Road and goes down Hampton Parkway, Dixie Road and Jackson Boulevard before returning to the Solomon Center.
"It is mostly flat terrain. The most challenging will be Ewell Road because there is an incline," Ingram said. "We do have turnaround points and (the Department of Emergency Services) will be on hand to help escort riders back to the Solomon Center."
Water will be available along the route and emergency personnel will be on standby in case of an emergency.
"We are still in the hot summer months so we will have water points and EMS to provide visibility in the event someone needs immediate assistance," Ingram said.
Participants are encouraged to bring their own bicycles; however, a limited number of mountain bikes will be available.
A pre-registration event is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday at the Solomon Center. Several agencies including ASAP, Family Advocacy, Housing, DES and Marion Street Station will be on hand for bike rentals.
"Agencies will be there to provide education. Fort Jackson agencies are very supportive and there will be some nice give-aways during the pre-registration event," Ingram said.
All riders must wear a helmet, and a safety briefing will be given before the ride.
"We are going to stress the buddy system and that no one (should) ride alone," Brown said.
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