A trek thru the woods

Carlee Felix learned to ride a bike before she learned to tie her shoes, throw a ball overhand or hop on one foot longer than a few seconds.

By the time Felix, 7, had her training wheels off two years ago, she was already participating in a non-competitive sport few adults are willing to attempt.

On Saturday, Felix rode tandem with her parents, John and Terri Felix of Willows, in the Farm to Forest Century Bike Ride, an event hosted by the Willows High School Booster Club.

"This is my longest ride yet," Felix said, before taking off from Memorial Park.

The good thing about a bicycle build for three, she said, is that she can rest whenever she feels the need.

Unless, of course, the trio has a steep climb.

"I can feel the push when we go uphill," Felix said. "That's when I know I have to help peddle."

About 40 avid bicyclists participated in the third annual charity event, which helps raise money to support a number of Willows High School programs and extra-curricular activities.

The Booster Club uses the money to provide awards for sports, fund field trips and send a representative to Girls State, a program of the American Legion Auxiliary, said Century Ride organizer Karen Alves.

The Club raises about $20,000 a year from its four major fundraisers, which also includes the annual golf tournament.

"We are always looking for ways to raise money," Alves said. "John Love actually came up with the idea of the bike ride. This is our third year, and so far we've doubled our money each year."

In time, the club hopes it's an annual Farm to Forest Century Bike Ride will become as popular as other century rides in the state.

The Delta Century, in the Jan Joaquin Valley has about 600 riders each year.

"I really enjoy biking," said Doug Beisner of Rancho Cordova. "It's a good way to stay in shape, meet a lot of cool people and see the most amazing country."

Beisner, and riding partner Joni Bauer of Stockton, have only been riding about eight years and already anticipate making the California Triple Crown Hall of Fame by summer.

The Hall of Fame was started in June 1999, to recognize those who have a huge commitment to long distant cycling by riding more than 10,000 miles in double century rides, which are 200-mile rides.

"Willows is a new ride for us," said Bauer. "It's all new scenery and it's for a good cause."

Riders left Willows around 8 a.m., traveling up Highway 162 to Winsloe Bridge for their first rest stop, before heading out to the Grindtone area and through the forest to Newville Road, east to Old Highway 99, south of Orland, and then back to Willows.

Each stop was manned by volunteers and a member of the Glenn County Amateur Radio team, who were on hand for emergency communication service.

Riders participated in the 36-mile, 75-mile and the 100-mile ride, before returning to Memorial Park for the annual barbecue dinner.

CONTACT Susan Meeker at 934-6800 or smeeker@tcnpress.com.