Beyond the Badge, CDCR Weekender, Community Involvement, Sports in CDCR

CDCR, CCHCS staff Bike the Bridges for Special Olympics

Staff riding along a field with water in the background for Bike the Bridges to benefit Special Olympics Northern California.
CDCR and CCHCS staff ride to raise money for Special Olympics Northern California.

CDCR and CCHCS staff joined hundreds of cyclists in the annual Bike the Bridges charity ride benefiting Special Olympics Northern California.

The 20 CDCR and CCHCS staff formed three teams who cycled through the scenic hills of Martinez and Benicia. The route took them over the Carquinez Bridge and Benicia-Martinez Bridge. Rides ranged from 25 miles to 50K, 100K, Half Century, and Century. All the loops ended at Waterfront Park in the city of Martinez where participants were treated to a barbecue lunch, live music, lawn games, and beverages. 

The three teams included CDCR-CCHCS Sacramento Region Team, Team California Medical Facility, and Team Solano. Combined, they raised $4,332.

Riders included staff from CSP-Sacramento, California Medical Facility, CSP-Solano, Division of Adult Institutions, Division of Rehabilitative Programs, and other regional offices.

Raising funds while biking the bridges

Out of 82 teams, the CDCR-CCHCS Sacramento Team ranked third on the event leaderboard.

Correctional Counselor II Joseph Trujillo served as team captain. For those interested in cycling next year, he offered words of encouragement.

“You don’t have to be a cyclist for this event,” Trujillo said. “There are routes for everyone. It does take a little training, but anyone can do it with some effort. It’s a great cause and helps create healthy habits. It also brings co-workers together outside of the office and institutions.” 

He said the best part for him was getting to see co-workers challenge themselves and finish this ride.

“It’s a great cause and helps create healthy habits. It also brings co-workers together outside of the office and institutions.”

Joseph Trujillo, correctional counselor II, team captain

Donations will continue to be accepted through Oct. 31, 2024.

The Bike the Bridges event is part of the yearlong Law Enforcement Torch Run campaign which raises awareness and funds to provide children and adults with intellectual disabilities sports, education, health and leadership programs. 

These programs positively impact the lives of Special Olympics athletes. Funds raised through events like Bike the Bridges allow athletes to participate in all Special Olympics programs at no cost to them or their families.

Story by Martina Virrey, community resources manager
Division of Adult Institutions

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