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"That's how I got started in riding so often," Baughman said.
More than 30 years later, Baughman continues to be an avid bike rider and is preparing for the annual Covered Bridge Metric Century Tour next month.
Now in its 30th year, CBMC bike tour, coordinated by the Lancaster Bicycle Club, features three mapped routes (15, 31 and 62 miles) that include seven covered bridges through the Lancaster countryside.
Baughman will be the only person of more than 3,000 anticipated riders who will be riding in the tour for the 30th time.
"I was involved with this even before it was an official event," Baughman said. "And there were only 40 to 50 riders then."
Since 2000, the tour has been the main fundraising event for LBC's grant program, which supports cycling activities in Lancaster County and assists governmental and nonprofit organizations with their programs. The grant program has provided $105,000 to local townships, police departments and bicycle-related organizations.
The LBC recently announced a record grant distribution from the 2007 CBMC tour.
"We raised $20,000 that will be donated to various areas this year," LBC board member Amy Mitchell said.Grant money that was raised from the tour last year will soon be given to East Donegal Township, the James Street Improvement District, San Juan Bautista Summer Camp, youth program Phoenix Flyers and police departments in New Holland and East Lampeter and Manheim townships.
"In the past, we have awarded funds for bicycle parking racks, police bicycle patrols, bicycle-route signage, cycling education and cycling advocacy," Mitchell said.
Ed Gower, coordinator of the tour, said he is excited for the 30th anniversary of the ride.
"This is quite a milestone," Gower said. "We continue to try to improve the ride each year."
Gower stressed that the ride is not a competition.
"We want people to participate and enjoy themselves," he said. "This is supposed to be fun. It's for people to admire the beauty and history of Lancaster while they're riding through the county."
Enjoying the ride is what it's all about for Baughman.
"I just love to do it," Baughman said. "This is my main thing to do every year."
(43) (9) (3) (2) (2)Although the longest mapped route for the tour is 62 miles, Baughman said he is planning to ride an additional two miles to mark his 64th birthday.
"I try to ride at least five miles every day, but this ride is the longest one I'll ever do each year," Baughman said.
The club has created a CBMC tour jersey for the anniversary that participants can purchase for $60.
The yellow and maroon jersey features bold graphics that reflect the ride and the covered bridges along with "30th Anniversary" patches on the sleeves.
Commemorative T-shirts also will be available.
Riders can preregister for the for Aug. 17 tour at www.active.com; registration is $30. Registration will be available on the day of the tour as well. Children 12 and under ride free.
The fee covers lunch, water stops, sag wagons, cue sheets, road markings, ice cream and more.
Cyclists must bring their own bikes and helmets.
For more information on the tour, visit the club's Web site at www.lancasterbikeclub.org.
E-mail: jwalk@lnpnews.com
