Wellness Wednesday: Organizers pleased with OwL Ride’s success

UNMC's Judy Huey at the 2013 OwL Ride.

Approximately 2,000 riders took part in the fourth annual Omaha with Lights (OwL) Ride.

The unique recreational bike ride is the largest annual night bicycle ride between Chicago and Denver.

See photos from this year’s OwL Ride.

Event organizers said the amount of money raised has not yet been finalized, but estimate more than $50,000 will be raised.

“Very pleased”

“We were very pleased with the event, and delighted that families used the adaptive bikes from MMI to participate,” said Deb Thomas, one of the event organizers. “The bikers had a great time again, and all our rest stops were fun — particularly our prime sponsor, our own Metro Health Services Federal Credit Union. Sodexo had great snacks at the finish line.”

Proceeds from the ride benefit the Meyer Foundation for Disabilities, which supports much-needed services for adults with disabilities in the Omaha metro area, including services at UNMC’s Munroe-Meyer Institute.