The second annual Summit Bike Challenge on Sept. 7 put on by the Friends of Moran State Park saw approximately fifteen bicyclists turn out to support the park and challenge their own personal best in rides to Cascade Falls, Mt. Lake and the Summit.

According to organizer Michel Vekved, most of the riders who participated went all the way to the Summit. “We are thankful for those who came to support the park today. We are also grateful for our co-sponsors Wildlife Cycles and Eastsound Sporting Goods and to Roses Cafe for the generous donation of loaves of bread. The funds raised today will go towards the weather station and web cam at the top of Mt. Constitution which should be operational by Oct. 1,” Vekved said.

Vicki Clancy, who made the ride, said, “The best part was riding down from Mt. Constitution. I did the ride just for that, and for the Friends of Moran. I have lived here 20 years and have never done the ride to Mt. Constitution before today.”

“We’ve gotten some very generous local donations toward our cause this year; however the costs of equipment and technology that will survive the weather conditions at the Summit require us to continue our fundraising,” Vekved said.

The money raised from the bike ride will also go toward an Interpretive Center which will be located at the top of Mt. Constitution. “This Park project is in the initial design stage right now and we hope to have it completed in 2010. The Interpretive Center will emphasize the significance of our environment and educate visitors about the unique qualities and the responsibilities we all have toward park preservation. It will beautifully illustrate the geology, botany, cultural history, archeological attributes and conservation,” Vekved said.

The Friends of Moran State Park’s stated mission is to raise funds and coordinate volunteer efforts throughout the year for projects within the 5252 acre state park. They assist the Moran State Park rangers with trail and campground maintenance, clean up and preservation. They provide educational and interpretive programs for park visitors. They say that The Friends of Moran celebrate and honor the vision of Robert Moran who wanted to park to be forever a playground for all people.

Donations may be mailed to P.O. Box 1961 Eastsound, WA, 98245 Attn. FOM Weather Station. More information on the Friends of Moran and their fundraising efforts is available at their website at www.friendsofmoran.com.