By Isabela Rzeznik
Contributing Writer

If you enjoy bike riding and kids, join Camp Twin Lakes in celebrating the two with the Spin for Kids fundraiser! Beginning from a camp supporter’s love for cycling, the seventh annual fundraiser will be held the weekend of Oct. 20-21, with two different bicycle rides on each day. One hundred percent of the proceeds raised from the ride will go to giving children with a variety of trials in life, including developmental disabilities, the chance to have an amazing camp experience, which is the goal of Camp Twin Lakes and its partners.
For mountain bikers, Saturday is the day, at Fort Yargo State Park in Winder, starting at the Camp Twin Lakes Will-A-Way facility. The facility, smaller than  Rutledge, is cozy, peaceful and circular and settled on the grounds of Fort Yargo. The octagonal buildings and large, teepee-like meeting places give the camp a unique atmosphere. “We want to have the same presence here as we have in Madison and Rutledge,” said Camp Twin Lakes special events coordinator Caitlin Still, who is coordinating Spin for Kids.
According to the Spin for Kids website, www.spinforkids.org, “All routes are fully supported with premium rest stops, SAG wagons, and motorcycle escorts,” for a worry free ride. There will be three different courses for the mountain bike ride, for all ages and abilities, with eight-mile, 12-mile or 20-mile loops. Road bikers will have the chance to test their capabilities on Sunday at the beautiful Camp Twin Lakes Rutledge Facility in Rutledge. With five different options for distance, five miles, 27 miles, 47 miles, 62 miles, and 100 miles, the road ride also accommodates an assortment of skill levels.
Cyclists are encouraged to participate in both rides, with the registration fee for each being $35, for both $60 through Sept. 30 and $15 anyone under 17. In addition to a fee, there is a fundraising minimum to participate in the ride, $50 for 12-17 year olds and $100 for anyone over the age of 18. Still said, “In 2011, 950 riders participated in Spin for Kids and raised $380,000, which equates to sending 475 extraordinary kids to camp,” so participating is well worth the time and effort.
The mountain bike and road bike rides will be the main event, but the weekend will be a fun-filled time for families as well. There will be a dinner before the ride on Saturday and after the ride on Sunday, there will be a celebration complete with live music, food and other camp entertainment. For parents with children, a Day Camp will be open for children between the ages of 5-12. 
More about the ride and how to register is available on the website above. For more information about Camp Twin Lakes, visit www.camptwinlakes.org.

Printed in the September 27, 2012 edition