In 2013, Dean Snyder began to share his love of bicycling and along that route, he strived to raise more awareness for cancer.
That year, Snyder organized the first Dean’s Ride. However, not long after that first bike ride, Snyder — a strong supporter of the YMCA who was involved in a number of organizations and clubs across Plant City — died of esophageal cancer.
Eleven years later, Snyder’s legacy continues and March 23, the 12th Annual Dean’s Ride pedaled ahead.
Starting at 7:30 a.m. at Keel Farms, 5202 Thonotosassa Road, about 180 bicyclists gathered at the starting line for the annual Dean’s Ride.
Proceeds from the ride support LIVESTRONG, a free wellness program for cancer survivors and their families as well as other wellness initiatives at the Plant City YMCA.
This year’s ride netted more than $12,000 to be used for LIVESTRONG coaches, wellness classes and to provide cancer-related and emotional counseling for survivors and family members. The money is also used for complimentary 12-week memberships to the Plant City YMCA .
Under some rain, clouds and spots of sunshine, the bikers rode routes ranging in distance from 10 to 60 miles around Lake Thonotosassa. Along the scenic course, riders rode by family estates, strawberry fields, pastures, groves and other outdoor environments before returning to Keel Farms, a Plant City family business renowned for its farming activities along with restaurant and beverage selections.
Elizabeth Oeltjenbruns is vice-chair of the Plant City Family YMCA and the Chair of the Healthy Living Committee which organizes Dean’s Ride. She’s been a bicyclist for five years and this year was her first year riding in Dean’s Ride. She said it’s “instrumental“ in raising funds to help in the battle against cancer since she began pedaling for a cause. Four LIVESTRONG participants who just graduated from the program also participated.
Among components of the LIVESTRONG program are:
Functional assessments at the beginning and end of the program to allow for visualization of how they have improved over the 12 weeks
Discounted rate for InBody scans
Develop lifelong friends and are surrounded by people that understand what it’s like to have cancer
Oeltjenbruns was assisted by three other Dean’s Ride committee members — Stephanie Saint-vil, Jennifer Ackett, Deryl Zimmerer – and YMCA staff members Paul Conley, Meghan Barrett, Theresa Sessions, Shannon All and Teen Leaders
“It was a lot of hard work but knowing that we raised money for an extremely important cause that affects virtually every person was with worth it in the end,” she said.
Oeltjenbruns — who works as an organization development facilitator talent development for Central Human Resources at the University of South Florida, said it’s so that Snyder’s love of cycling and generosity rides on.
“Hearing the positive comments from the riders, as well the smiles from the LIVESTRONG graduates, made me smile,” added Oeltjenbruns, who rode with her husband, Matthew Sonnemann, her sister, Sarah Kessler and mother and stepdad Rebecca and Dave Regnet.
Paul Conley, Plant City YMCA executive director, said he’s glad to see the continued interest and support for Snyder’s Dean’s Ride initiative for more than a decade.
“It is a highly anticipated community event. This year we are partnering with Keel Farms and they did the post-ride catering. We thank them for their generosity,” he said in a written statement. “Dean’s Ride is a Plant City and YMCA tradition to honor Dean Snyder and support the LIVESTRONG program at the Plant City YMCA.”
Following the ride, there was a lunch, music, and Keel Farms cider and beverages provided.