The weather was picture-perfect, the routes scenic and the bicyclists headed out from Kerr Park in Oakdale on Saturday morning, Sept. 26 as participants in the annual Spoketoberfest event.

Different length rides were offered, based on age and ability of the bicyclists, ranging from roughly 13 to 61 miles in three ride options, along with a speed race exhibition hosted at Kerr Park at noon on Saturday.

“Personally, I have been the chairman for four years now,” said Oakdale Sunrise Rotary Club President Julio Hallack, noting that the club has put on the Spoketoberfest for more than a decade. “All the money we raise goes back to our local non-profits and charities.”

He added that with multiple support personnel volunteering their time, they have had an “excellent record of safety” through the years.

“People love what we are doing; the routes, they are phenomenal,” noted Hallack.

He also said Oak Valley Hospital provides an ambulance to be available for any difficulties or incidents involving riders along the various routes.

Among those getting ready for the ride early Saturday were a couple members of the 99 Cycling Team based out of Livingston.

“We’re community based and we’re trying to take over the Valley to do community functions and get people out on their bikes,” said Ray Craig, President of 99 Cycling, who was signed up for the longest route, a 61-mile ride, through Oakdale and Knights Ferry.

Vice President Leo Pulido was planning to do the 13-mile ride with his dad on Saturday.

“My father just joined our team so I’m going to join him on his first ride,” Pulido said.

For information on the team, which has been in existence for just about a year, visit 99cyclingteam.org

“The camaraderie that we’ve built already and just the people riding with people,” Pulido said of what he enjoys about cycling. “More than anything it’s health-related and it’s low-impact, especially for previous injuries so this is right down my road, I love it.”

Local resident Christina Cobarruvias was a first-time participant in Spoketoberfest, joining her dad to do the 13-mile route.

“My dad had done one before and when I was little, my dad and I did a little bike tour and he asked me to do it this year and I said absolutely; it reminded me of when I was younger,” said the 2014 Oakdale High School alum. “And to support the community; it was a beautiful ride, a beautiful day, just connecting with folks.”

She also said it was enjoyable to share a lunch afterward with other riders, meeting and talking with people from areas including Manteca and Ripon who came to join in the effort, raising funds for various non-profits.

“It’s nice that they all come out to support our Spoketoberfest,” Cobarruvias said.

Hallack estimated about 90 cyclists turned out to take part, including many from Stanislaus County in addition to riders from Sacramento, Merced and more.

“Weather was fantastic, this was the first time we have done it here at Kerr Park and this place is magic,” Hallack added.

He also thanked El Maguey Catering out of Modesto, which donated all the food for the luncheon.

“A hundred percent of all the proceeds from the bike ride, after we cover expenses, goes back to our local community,” Hallack said of distributing funds to various non-profits.