16 Jul 2014 Great turnout reported at inaugural Ranch Ride

by Sonja J. Keith

With the success of its first Renewal Ride on Saturday, organizers are already considering making it an annual event.

“It was a great turnout and a great success,” said Kyle Allison, race coordinator, adding “with such positive feedback” that a meeting is planned next week to discuss making the ride an annual event. He anticipates that next year’s ride will have a similar format and be held around the same time of year.

The ride consisted of three courses in Perry County: a 3-mile family course, 35-mile intermediate course and a 55-mile advanced course. The courses started and finished at Renewal Ranch.

The event featured first class monitoring and support, with a family-friendly party at the finish area with food and games. Each rider received a Renewal Ride T-shirt.

Participants were primarily from Central Arkansas, with two riders from Louisiana and one from Illinois, according to Allison. Ages ranged from 7 to 65.

Allison recognized the contributions of sponsors and other businesses which made the event possible. First Security Bank served as the title sponsor. Presenting sponsor was Angela Conrad Inc. Businesses offering assistance or financial support were the Crain Team, Smith Ford, The Ride, Nabholz Construction, Stoby’s and Conway Regional Health System.

Renewal Ranch is located just outside Conway and is a faith-based program for adult men 21 years of age or older who are struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. The 18-month program is offered at no cost to the client, and is divided into Phase I and Phase II.  

Renewal Ranch has graduated more than 60 residents since opening its facilities in January 2011.  Currently there are 27 men participating in the program.

For more information about Renewal Ranch visit therenewalranch.org or call 501.269.4306. For more information on the ride, visit renewalride.com.

All proceeds from The Renewal Ride will go directly to the operation of Renewal Ranch.