Annual cycling event raises money for scholarship

The Allegrina 100, a fun for all-levels 100-mile bicycle ride through the picturesque area around Saugatuck, will stage its fifth edition on June 23. The event raises funds for the John Allegrina Scholarship for nontraditional students at Grand Valley State University.

The Allegrina 100 is an annual cycling event founded to honor and remember John Allegrina. The first Allegrina 100 was held June 21, 2009, which was both Father’s Day and John’s first birthday after his passing. His daughter, Heather Allegrina, and her husband, Brian J. Bowe, organized a small group of cycling pals and decided to spend the day on a bike. Allegrina and Bowe are Grand Valley graduates.

In 2012, the Allegrina 100 became the signature fundraiser for the John Allegrina Nontraditional Student Memorial Scholarship at Grand Valley. The scholarship is an endowed scholarship for Grand Valley juniors or seniors in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. This endowment fund was established to acknowledge that for some students an education is the key to bettering one’s life circumstances; but that life circumstances can also complicate the process of attaining an education.

The Allegrina 100 features three loops that start from the same spot, departing at different times with the goal of staying together as much as possible. Mileage options range from 30-100 miles, with an additional “ice cream cruiser” ride for families and children to join.

The cost to participate is $25 for the ride, or $10 for just the party and ice cream ride. Children under 5 attend free. All funds raised go to the Allegrina Scholarship, thanks in part to event sponsors the Herman Miller Foundation, New Holland Brewing Company, Velo City Cycles, Felt Mansion, Sundance Center, Janus Firm, Tidal 9 Events, and Foolish Designs.

For more information and to register, visit www.allegrina100.com.