HOLLAND, MI (WHTC) – Despite temperatures in the high 80s and a brief rain storm in the late morning, cyclists were still able to enjoy the rush of riding in the 41st annual Holland 100 on Saturday, July 18. Over 1,200 cyclists turned out for the event that started at Herman Miller Greenhouse on Adams Street.
Participants were able to pick from 100, 67, 36 , or 18 mile routes to ride, but most people signed up for the 100 or 67 mile tour. During the ride cyclists were able tour through the area surrounding Holland, with rest stops at Bentheim Church, Fenn Valley, and Saugatuck High School. Healthy snacks, Gatorade, and water were provided by Upward Bound of Hope College along these rest stops.
Many of the cyclists looked forward to having a traditional pancake breakfast at East Saugatuck Church midway through the race. The breakfast was made available by Southside Transportation and Biggby Coffee. The race concluded at Herman Miller, where Lakeshore Family Chiropractic provided complimentary post-ride massages.
There were both seasoned cyclists and new riders who participated in the Holland 100, like the husband and wife team of Dan and Erin Watson. The Watson’s are no strangers to riding bikes, but for Erin this was her first time riding in the tour. Dan has participated in the Holland 100 for the last two years. In an interview with WHTC news, Dan had this to say about what he likes most about the tour: “I like being able to ride parts of Allegan and Ottawa county that I don’t normally get to see, and even the normal parts that I do see, it’s a different perspective on the bike.” Erin, of course, thought “the pancake breakfast was the bomb!”
The Watson’s both plan to take part in next year’s Holland 100, which is slated for Saturday, July 16, 2016.
