Loopin’ bike ride benefits Lewes library during June

The Lewes Public Library's annual Loopin’ for the Library fundraiser returns for its seventh year with a month-long, self-paced bike ride.

The Loopin’ bike ride is a fun and easy way to work out for oneself, and for a good cause. Participants ride a total of 20 miles throughout the month of June at their own pace, either all at once or broken down into smaller rides totaling 20 miles. The ride can be completed outdoors or indoors on a stationary bike, and registration fees benefit the library.

Registration for the 20-mile Loopin’ ride is available through Friday, June 30, at tinyurl.com/LoopinLewes2023. The registration fee is $30 for adults, $10 for teens, and free for kids 12 and under. Adult and teen participants receive a reflective waist pack with the Lewes Public Library logo, a bike tire patch kit, and one entry into the raffle for a for a Trek Verve 2 bike (valued at $800) donated by Lewes Cycle Sports. Kids receive their choice of any three of these items: reflective slap band with the Lewes Public Library logo, bike bell, bike spoke wraps, cooling headband, or Lewes Public Library sticker or magnet.

Additional raffle tickets may be earned by riding extra miles, or can be purchased separately by participants and non-riders alike. Raffle tickets are 1 for $10, 3 for $25, 7 for $50, or 20 for $100 and may be purchased at the library (cash, check, credit card) or at Lewes Cycle Sports (cash and check only). The drawing will take place Saturday, July 1.

Riders are invited to raise additional funds for the library through sponsorships. The individual who raises the most funds will receive a Priority Dogfish branded bike donated by Dogfish Head Brewery. The individual who raises the second-highest amount in donations will receive a Lewes Cycle Sports bike tech shirt.

Team participation also is encouraged. Family, friends, neighbors or co-workers can join forces to make a team, or riders may join one of the five teams that have formed to date for this year’s Loopin’ ride. The team with the most members will receive special recognition in library promotions and social media.

As an independent library, the Lewes Public Library must raise nearly half of its operating budget every year. State and county taxes only cover 50% of operating costs. Fundraising events such as Loopin' make possible the many free classes, programs and services the community enjoys. For more information about Lewes Public Library programs and services, go to lewes.lib.de.us.