The first annual Bird to Gird Bike Rally took place on Saturday’s rainy, low-cloud, chilly morning.   At 7:30am, a few intrepid Rotary Club members met at the Bake Shop and began preparation for the event.   As we made our way out to Alyeska Highway, we comforted ourselves with thoughts of, “well, it’s not actually raining, it’s just cloudy.  Maybe it won’t rain, but will just be overcast today.” 
      As the sun (in theory) rose higher in the sky, tents were erected and banners were hung.  Rally participants began showing up and the skies started to sprinkle.  Still, we thought…maybe it won’t rain long or maybe it’s just a sprinkle. 
      Brave souls lined up at the red-ribbon officially recognizing the opening of the trail.  The VIPs arrived and short speeches proclaiming the opening of the trail and all of its benefits to the local community were given.  The ribbon was cut and the riders were off.  Kids riding the backs of parents’ bicycles, participants from Challenge Alaska, and other bicycle enthusiasts began making their way 11 miles to Girdwood. 
      Even in the wind and rain, the trail maintains its beauty.  The riders talked about the views out into Turnagain Arm and the fun of riding on a newly paved trail as they finished up at the US Forest Service Ranger Station in Girdwood.  All riders who began the trail finished it easily and were treated to some homemade cookies along with bananas and oranges, water & Powerade at the end. 
      After a successful first year, we are all looking forward to an even bigger and better event for next year.  We will let you know when we’ve decided on our date so you can mark you calendars early and come join us for a sunshiny day out on the trail.
Ginny Grupp
Girdwood
      Have a fitness question or topic you would like to see addressed? Ginny Grupp has been an ACE-certified* personal trainer since 2003.  She lives in Girdwood and is available for fitness consultations and program development in the Turnagain Arm and South Anchorage area, meeting either in your home or at Alyeska Resort’s Pool & Fitness Center.   She can be contacted at 783-1245 or via e-mail at [email protected].
      *The American Council on Exercise (ACE) is the largest nonprofit fitness certification and education provider in the world. Widely recognized as "America's Authority on Fitness," ACE continually sets standards and protects the public against unqualified fitness professionals and unsafe or ineffective fitness products, programs and trends.