Cycling enthusiasts & animal-welfare advocates alike are invited to take a ride through their neighborhoods, or right at home on their stationary bikes, to support MLAR’s life-saving mission as the COVID-19 pandemic continues
PHOENIXVILLE — It is no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the world in countless ways. For nonprofits, that includes the cancelling of important in-person fundraising events in the spring and summer months.
In an effort to engage animal advocates, and continue to raise funds for their lifesaving mission, Main Line Animal Rescue is launching Handlebarks, A Virtual Cycling Event, presented by Audi West Chester, from Saturday, June 6 – Saturday, June 20, 2020.
The event will invite riders of all levels, including indoor cyclists, to take on rides ranging from leisurely 5 milers all the way to 100 mile rides for the most experienced cyclists, to raise critical funds for Main Line Animal Rescue.
While large scale gatherings are still off the table for the time being, individuals can get out on the road to show their support for dogs and cats who have been rescued from the cruel practice of puppy mills by signing up for the ride. For those who aren’t traditional road cyclists, at home bikes including Pelotons, Flywheel, or any stationary bike provide the perfect option to participate.
Registration for the ride is just $15, and gives cyclists the option to pick their own course, complete the ride on their indoor bike or out on the road, finish the ride in a single day or spread it out over the course of two weeks. For those without bikes, there is even an option to sign up and sit it out, or purchase the Handlebarks t-shirt to show support.
“While our worlds are different now, we can take steps toward normalcy by participating in events like this for causes we love,” said Julie Klim, CEO of the Pennsylvania SPCA. “While we may not gather together to kick off a large scale ride at Main Line Animal Rescue’s beautiful property in Chester Springs, we can still go for bike rides, taking advantage of the beautiful weather. Or, we can participate from the comfort of our own homes with stationary bikes. There are so many ways to continue to help animals, because they will not stop needing us to stand up for them.”
In addition to participating in the ride, Giant Bicycle has provided a bike ($800 value) to be raffled off in support of Main Line Animal Rescue. Individuals do not have to sign up for the ride to participate in the raffle, and tickets are available for $10, or 5 entries for $40.
Proceeds from the Handlebarks Virtual Cycling Event will benefit Main Line Animal Rescue, an affiliate of the Pennsylvania SPCA, which has an intense focus on eliminating the systemic issues that lead to animal abuse and pet homelessness.
For more information and to sign up to participate in the ride, visit: https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Pheonixville/handlebarks
About Main Line Animal Rescue
MLAR has fought to end animal homelessness for more than 20 years. The rescue has an extensive adoption program, on-site behavior modification and training facilities and has been at the forefront of anti-puppy mill campaigns locally and nationally. MLAR’s efforts have been highlighted in People Magazine, The Philadelphia Inquirer, ABC’s The View, and Oprah. MLAR is an animal shelter unlike any other in the state; it takes in animals that are turned down by other rescues because of extensive medical or behavioral complications, and provides the necessary medical treatment, enrichment programming and training for each animal to become adoptable. To learn more about Main Line Animal Rescue visit www.MLAR.org.