Almost 80 cyclists participated in this year’s first Water Cycle event at Martin Dam to raise money for water projects in Bolivia and Guatemala.
The Auburn University student chapter of Engineers Without Borders hosted the event. Participants chose to bike either a 30-mile or 60-mile gravel course through the picturesque countryside, beginning and ending at around Lake Martin. Hydro employees were hosts and volunteers for the event, which raised more than $21,000.
Alabama Power Hydro Manager Chris Goodman said ride participants enjoyed the challenging course and hope the ride will become an annual event.
“We heard from many people that it was a great ride location and that they appreciated that the course was challenging,” Goodman said, adding that the food and music available at the dam ensured the event would be a community celebration, and not just for cyclists.
Money raised will support drinking water and irrigation projects in Bolivia and Guatemala.
Engineers Without Borders is a national organization whose purpose is to work with communities in developing countries to promote sustainable engineering solutions to practical problems. The Auburn University student chapter, which is made up of students from a wide range of majors, works on projects abroad in Rwanda, Guatemala and Bolivia, and domestically in Georgia and Alabama, to improve access to potable water.