“Spinderella” bicycle race back in Pocatello
Pocatello held its fifth annual “Spinderella” bicycle race over the weekend. It’s a women-only bike ride, but all women are encouraged to participate.
This year, there 1,500 women who signed up to ride in the race. There was even a large group from Canada and some riders from Europe.
The race is open to any woman who wants to ride. There are five distances for them to choose from: 10, 22, 50, 70 or 100 miles. It’s for all levels of riders, including those with health issues who otherwise may not get the chance to do something like “Spinderella.”
“What we love is that we’re able to bring a ride to this area that caters to the beginning rider,” said DaNae Young, “Spinderella” president. “It’s fully supported and gets these women out there exercising, spending time with family and friends, and they’re in a safe and fun environment.”
Young said it’s also a great way to bring people together in the community.
One local business, Superior Physical Therapy, had 12 women come together to ride as a company. They said it’s a great way to make friends and it’s all for a good cause.
“This is out of my comfort level one-hundred percent but I’m so excited,” said Camille Gilbert, a first-time rider in “Spinderella.”
“I’m excited for the group that we’re doing,” Gilbert said. “I mean we have people who ride daily and then we have people who, like me, haven’t ridden for a long time. So it’s been fun for us to get together for our group rides.”
“It’s kind of a unique setting where it’s not this competitive attitude,” said Melissa Merrill, another first-time rider. “It’s really kind of empowering for women to be a part of it. Everybody’s pretty supportive, it’s really upbeat.”
“Overall I think it’s awesome for feminism,” said Jessica Tidwell, also riding for the first time with her coworkers. “I think it’s awesome for women to know that they are powerful and they can do cool things.”
“It’s kind of cool to be out on the road with literally hundreds of other women in the community,” Merrill said.
And at the end of it all, to cheer the women on and congratulate them as they finished, were their very own Prince Charmings. They congratulated the women and gave out prizes to all who participated.
Money from the entry fees goes to local charities in the area. In 2015, the race made $32,500 for the Southeast Idaho Make-a-Wish Foundation. This year’s proceeds will be donated to four different organizations: the Southeast Idaho Make-a-Wish Foundation, the Patient Cancer Assistance Fund, the Compassion Hope and Pregnancy Center, and the Shannon Potter Fun Fund.
For more information on “Spinderella,” visit its website or its Facebook page.
