Benefit ride honors East Aurora teacher

Following the death of educator Jerry Sondgeroth last August, friends and family members held a "65 Miles for Jerry" bicycle ride to complete his goal of riding 3,650 miles in 2007. Those who participated in the ride wished to make it an annual event and invite others to join them on Sept. 6.

Sondgeroth was an educator for more than 40 years whose career was dedicated to the students of East Aurora School District 131

The 65 Miles for Jerry Bicycle Ride is sponsored by the Jerry A. Sondgeroth Educational Foundation, with proceeds to be used for the scholarship fund in his name at Aurora University and for educational opportunities for students in East Aurora School District 131.

Riders will be required to sign an accident waiver at the time of check-in. Riders under the age of 18 must have the approval of a parent or guardian, as indicated on the waiver. Insurance regulations require that riders age 18 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Rider registration and preregistration check-in will be from 7 to 10 a.m. Bike helmets are required for all riders. Headphones are not permitted on the ride. All riders are eligible for drawings for prizes and souvenirs.

All routes will depart from Johnson's Mound Forest Preserve, off Hughes Road, a mile west of Fabyan Parkway. The 12-mile route goes to Kaneville and returns on the same route. The 33-mile route goes through Kaneville, Maple Park and LaFox. The 65-mile route goes through Kaneville, Maple Park, Virgil, Burlington, Virgil and LaFox.

The registration fee is $20 or free for those under age 12. For details on registration, call (630) 892-6856 or visit www.jasef.org.