Bike Huntley event brings families

HUNTLEY — About 150 bicycle riding enthusiasts took advantage of a sun-splashed Sunday to ride through an eight-mile Bike Huntley course. The event was part of Enjoy Huntley Week activities.

The annual event is organized by the Village of Huntley, Police Department and volunteers. Officers and public works staff helped riders take the route safely. Trek Bicycle of Algonquin has been helping out for several years.

“We help by making sure everyone’s bike tires are properly inflated,” owner Rob Sanders said. “People get excited about the event, it’s good family fun. Some of the bikes have been in storage for so long. At the shop, we work on all makes and models of bikes, accessories and everything.”

“I’m riding in the event for the first time, it’s great to see so many kids in it, it was enjoyable,” Ben Manibog said.

The Singer family – Jude, Josh, Beckham, Kim, Sophia and Isabelle, was among the first participants to arrive at Huntley Town Square. Josh gave a triumphant hand raise as he finished. “We love it and come each year,” Kim Singer said.

Riders praised the fact many age groups joined in the fun. The route began at Coral Street and continued through neighborhoods, with water stations.

“I come every year and have piles of t-shirts at home,” Steve Dunk of Sun City said. “It’s great for families to come together.”

After the bike ride, participants enjoyed a picnic. Sponsors were the Village of Huntley, Huntley Police Department and Christopher B. Burke Engineering.

Enjoy Huntley Week events ate organized by the Village of Huntley, Huntley Park District, Huntley Community School District 158, Huntley Police Department, Huntley Area Fire Protection District and Huntley Area Public Library. Activities continue through Saturday, Aug. 5. For details on the events, visit www.enjoyhuntley.com.