GoodSpeed Cycles bike shop in Homewood organized a 100-kilometer ride around Homewood and Flossmoor on Sunday, Aug. 18.
Around 55 cyclists, mostly local but one from as far away as New Mexico, participated in the “HoFlo Hundred,” raising more than $1,100 for the James Hart Outriders, an organization that improves middle school kids’ access to bike riding.
HoFlo Hundred on Sunday, Aug. 18. (Chris Weber/H-F Chronicle)
The idea for the HoFlo Hundred, a “friendly neighborhood metric century,” was born in a conversation between GoodSpeed’s sales manager and “event guy,” Steve Buchtel, and an avid bike-riding customer about a month before the event. Buchtel liked the idea so much that he decided to make it happen. When drawing the map, however, he realized he would have to get creative with the route.
“I can’t plan a 100-mile route around town without driving everyone insane, but I can do 100 kilometers,” Buchtel said. “The nice thing about a neighborhood ride like this is that people can start and stop whenever they want. If you get to mile 37 and can’t pedal anymore, that’s great because you are a mile and a half from home.”
Because of the stop and go nature of the meandering route, only five riders completed the entire 100-kilometer circuit.
“That type of riding takes its toll,” Buchtel said. “Because of all the turns, you can’t just put your head down and ride fast.”
GoodSpeed Cycles sponsors and organizes several weekly rides throughout the area. These meetups are designed to be fun for cycling enthusiasts of all ages and skill or motivation levels.
“Homewood’s on the cusp of being a really big bike town,” Buchtel said.
The 100-kilometer (62-mile) route was a conglomeration of routes that regular riders in the area might recognize. The riders did three laps that reversed directions and returned to Goodspeed, the start and finish of the ride every lap. Several residents made rest stops for riders throughout the course. Some provided beverages and food. One stop sold lemonade to the riders and even performed puppet shows for a small fee.
Buchtel said that raising funds for the James Hart Outriders was important to them because it is such a good cause. More bikes mean PE teachers at James Hart can spend more time teaching students to ride because fewer students have to take turns riding or waiting for a bike.
“The Outriders program is really great,” Buchtel said. “They provide funds for the helmets, gear and bikes. They are mountain bikes that sell for more than $800, and James Hart got 30 of them. Specialized [the bike manufacturer] gives them the bikes below cost.”
The $1,100 raised through the HoFlo Hundred is enough to buy three bikes. Although GoodSpeed is a Trek dealer, they have been happy to donate their time and expertise to assemble Specialized bikes for the Outrider program. Buchtel said that this is just another one of the many ways the shop tries to be a positive part of the community.
“They have inspired me to get back into biking,” said Terri Moore. Moore participated in the HoFlo Hundred and said she tries to ride as much as possible because she enjoys it immensely.
Graham Bolkema, the owner of GoodSpeed Cycles, opened the business about 10 years ago after acquiring it from his former employer.
“We’re selling regular people bikes here,” Bolkema said. “Do you really need a racing bike to do all this stuff? No, you need a regular bike. We sell nice ones.”
Bolkema’s statement is in keeping with the name of the shop and one of the statements on its website. “Goodspeed Cycles strives to provide an environment and community ‘where YOUR speed is the Goodspeed.’ No exceptions.”
Buchtel said he would leave the donation link up for a while in case anyone else is interested in helping the Outriders.
