Staff Writer
The Backus Community Center and St. Thomas partnered in putting together the first Mike Budak Memorial Charity Bike Ride, named for an avid Falls cyclist who passed away in 2007. It is the newest event added to the Falls Bass Tournament held this past weekend.
Nearly 30 riders braved and ignored the cold drizzle Saturday morning to take part in one of two roundtrip rides to either Ranier, or to Voyageurs National Park. The send-off was festive as riders motivated each other following breakfast.
Burgess Eberhardt, an experienced rider, said the day would have been much better without the rain but more the wind.
“But this is not a race,” he added. “It is a tour.”
Eberhardt rode with Budak when he formed the To Hill and Back run from the Falls to Sha Sha resort and back. He said Budak got biking enthusiasts organized and active and that it is fitting to honor his memory with this annual tour.
“Mike was a great guy,” he added.
“He had a lot of bikes to, some of them homemade,” added Sheldon Slaubaugh, who was one of two riders using a reclining low rider bike. He said it is comfortable and aerodynamic.
The riders stuck to the trails for most of the run, with a total of seven crossings along the way marked by cones and volunteers in crossing guard vests. There were three rest stops at Terra’s Wharf, the 19th Hole and Voyageurs National Park boat landing.
Jackie Glowack, co-coordinator, said the goal since initial meetings began last February, was to establish the ride as an annual event to draw families of tournament anglers. They would like to see it grow and become an added tradition of the tournament.
