Eight bicyclists rolled into Watsonville Monday afternoon on the second stop of the annual Fire Velo bike ride.
Their weeklong journey started in San Francisco and will wrap up in Santa Monica on June 6.
Fire Velo is a national cycling organization that promotes physical and mental wellness in the fire service and partners in emergency services through cycling and other charity events. It also fundraises to support fire service efforts of cancer awareness and cancer prevention.
“One of the leading causes of death in the fire service is cancer,” said retired Los Angeles firefighter Jim Berklite. “And we’re trying to change the mentality about cancer and that you can go through this career healthy and protected. We’re out here to advocate and to raise money for our partner organizations.”
While this year’s ride had eight riders, past events have had more than 40.
“Coming into a place like Watsonvilleit simply doesn’t get any better,” Berklite said. “Watsonville is the true definition of a brotherhood.”
Watsonville firefighters threw down the red mat and welcomed the riders with a meal, shared stories and more.
Retired firefighter Marv Williams said he was the oldest rider of the pack at 76.
“The next youngest rider is 75,” he said. “It’s a great thing to be a part of. Watsonville is the best; they show off their families, the mayor often comes out, we get a warm send off. No other city does it like this.”
