Spring is always the perfect time to start getting back out and enjoying the outdoors. Everyone begins to venture outside after a long winter to enjoy the sunshine and nice weather. This spring, the students, staff, and faculty of Ross Medical Education Center in Bowling Green decided to join the ranks of those that were making their way back outside. They spent a breezy Saturday having fun and promoting fitness by manning a station for Pedal for the Park, an event sponsored by the Friends of Mammoth Cave National Park Organization. They worked the last station of the 77 mile bike race handing out water, Gatorade, and snacks to the bicyclists.
The Friends of Mammoth Cave National Park has hosted this fundraiser for four consecutive years. The funds are then used to cover operational costs of Mammoth Cave National Park as well as to support their educational efforts. The Friends of Mammoth Cave organization works with the National Park Service to help fund projects and programs that protect, preserve, and enhance the natural and cultural resources of Mammoth Cave National Park. Much of the money will be used to fund transportation grants for disadvantaged schools so that they too can enjoy the benefits of the park.
This event is one of the largest annual events put on by the Friends of Mammoth Cave National Park. The staff, students, and faculty that gave up their Saturday to be a part of this event and the educational opportunities it would provide were thankful to be there and join the excitement. The bikers were also very appreciative of the students and staff working the rest stop. By the time the reached the campus representatives at the Ross station, they had already pedaled 70 miles! The first biker to arrive at the stop exclaimed, “You all are life savers!” It was fun to see all the bikers come through and get to give them water, congratulations, and a little encouragement to finish the race strong! This event is one that the Bowling Green campus looks forward to doing again in the future!
If you are interesting in finding out more about Friends of Mammoth Cave National Park and how you can help, visit their Facebook page or their website at http://www.friendsofmammothcave.org/.