AIR team members Bob Tomassetti, Jill Staples, and Jon Tomassetti with David Caples (third from left), Katie's dad and chairman of the Katie Caples Foundation.

Hundreds of fund-raising cyclists enjoyed a beautiful morning for biking and a variety of scenic routes in the fourth annual Katie Ride for Life on April 19. Amelia Island Runners was proud to join more than 50 other teams in the life-saving cause of heightening organ-donor awareness. AIR’s 2008 fund-raising team included Tifini Bair, Rich Davis, John McBrearty, Jill Staples, and Bob and Jonathan Tomassetti. Jill and Bob have represented AIR in all four of the Katie Rides. The event is named for Katie Caples, an honors student and standout runner who was 17 when she died from injuries sustained in an auto accident, 10 years ago this month. She had chosen to be an organ donor, and that decision saved five others’ lives. Her family established the Katie Caples Foundation in her memory. Online contributions are still being accepted at http://www.active.com/donate/katierideforlife2008.

The ride started and ended at the Atlantic Avenue Recreation Center in Fernandina Beach, and featured routes ranging from 7 to 100 miles, with “in-between” distances of 30K, 60K and 100K (18, 36 and 62 miles), plus a 9-mile off-road ride along the trails of Fort Clinch State Park.

David Caples addresses the riders before the start of the 30/60/100K rides.

The 30/60/100K begins.

AIR member Jack Tomassetti with fellow FBHS team members.

Bob & Jon Tomassetti on their tandem bike.

Congratulations to all who participated in the event and support its worthy cause.