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"I am a first grade teacher at Sheridan Elementary and I witnessed how the backpack program changed students' emotional outlooks and academic abilities. This past year I had three students participate. I cannot begin to describe the happiness on their faces Friday afternoon as the carried their backpacks home, knowing they wouldn't be hungry over the weekend. The added nutrition contributed to their first grade academic success, as well as healthy physical, emotional and mental development."
- A Tacoma teacher
Washington State consistently has one of the highest hunger rates in the country.
All the funds you raise will help St. Leo Food Connection continue its fight against hunger in Pierce County. Our Backpack Program is currently providing two days worth of food every Friday throughout the school year to more than 430 Tacoma Public School students at 14 schools who are at risk of going hungry over the weekend.
All six courses start and end at WSU’s Puyallup Research & Extension Center, located at 7612 Pioneer Way East, just west of downtown Puyallup (directions), and wind through the scenic Puyallup Valley. Live music, a beer/wine/root beer float garden, and BBQ await you at the finish line.
miles: For those looking for a challenge! The same as the 56 mile coure, but with the added bonus of a loop out through Enumclaw, including a climb up Mud Mountain Road. cue sheet
miles: A scenic and at times challenging ride through Puyallup, Sumner, Orting, South Prairie, Buckley, Bonney Lake, and then back to Puyallup. cue sheet
miles: This course adds a rooundtrip ride from Orting to South Prairie on the Foot Hills Trail to the 32 mile course. New this year after a couple of riders inadvertently rode to South Prairie in 2010! cue sheet
miles: A good mid-range ride for those wanting to test their endurance. Goes through Sumner and Orting. cue sheet
miles: The perfect ride for new cyclists or families wanting to ride together. A flat ride through the floor of the Puyallup Valley. cue sheet
miles: New this year at the request of a 7-year-old rider who rode the previous 5 years on a bike attachment. She wants to ride her own bike this year but isn't quite up to a 20 mile ride! Perfect for new riders or families with young kids. cue sheet
The more the merrier – consider forming a team with family, friends and co-workers. Team members can ride different routes and meet up at the finish-line festival – where we’ll take your picture to commemorate the day you “fought hunger from the seat of your bike!”