An inaugural charity bike ride in Pacifica last month raised funding for Peninsula residents with developmental disabilities along with expectations of the event's future growth, organizers said.
The "," also called "Ride at Devil's Slide," held on July 18, raised about $10,000 for Parca, a Burlingame-based group that has been providing support and promoting independent living for people in San Mateo County living with developmental disabilities for 60 years.
Keynote Systems, a San Mateo-based cloud-tech firm, put on the ride, along with co-sponsors Mazzetti's Bakery, and Hammer Nutrition, among others.
"I think we've provided a wonderful ride for cyclists and a good community event, and at the same time that we're raising money for people with developmental disabilities," Keynote Systems CEO Diana Conti told Patch.
Conti said about 220 cyclists participated in the ride, and expects that number to swell to 500 next year. She said the fundraising will grow, with one-time expenses such as website design, banners, signage and equipment already in place.
The challenging and scenic course that took riders along the steep coastal hills and ancient redwood groves course drew high marks from participants, Conti said.
"We want the 'Devils Slide Ride' to be a major annual cycling event, with enough challenges to keep it interesting for cyclists at all levels. We expect it to draw from all over the Bay Area next year," she said. "Pacifica is a prime location for sporting events, with all of its natural beauty, and welcoming atmosphere. We look forward to growing the event for next year."
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