2 weeks Ago By Ashley Rambo
Over 200 riders attended the 2025 Riverside Ride on Saturday, March 22. The sky was crystal clear, the temperature ranged from 60 to 75 degrees with little wind, which contributed to a great riding experience for all. “It’s a great day for riding,” said rider Julia Mata.
Mata and her friend Nicole Garcia have participated in the last seven Riverside Rides. Mata and Garcia consider themselves recreational but dedicated riders. They have tried almost every distance the ride offers from 50 miles down to 20 miles.
“We definitely died on the 50 mile route,” Mata said with a laugh. “But it’s a good time to just listen to some good music and take a break from being a mom.” All while getting a workout and enjoying the scenic route of Victoria’s country roads and downtown.
President-Elect of the Kiwanis Club, Thomas Gwosdz takes pride in the event, which gives Victoria and beyond a reason to get out and ride. Volunteers had stops along the routes to ensure riders were safe and had water or snacks. “Unfortunately, one rider had a blowout and couldn’t finish her ride,” Gwosdz said.
A shag wagon, a truck or other vehicle that patrolled the routes was available to pick up participants in such an event. Gwosdz thanks all the volunteers and organizations that came together, as well as the riders themselves. The Riverside Ride is a fundraiser, and on top of registration fees, “the 2025 group were extremely gracious.
A majority of the riders that signed up opted to donate more money on top of their fees. The Riverside Ride is only half of the event. The Kiwanis club also has the KIDZFest, a gathering of 20 organizations and food vendors in the Riverside special event grounds.
A live band, inflatable slides, a mechanical bull, and even a puppy pen were open for free. Shannon Longoria, head organizer of KIDZFest, said they wanted something for families, an event that is “fun and free, a great excuse to get out and get some Vitamin D.” Organizations that joined were The Riding Therapy Center, the Victoria Public Library, and K-Kids groups.
“K-Kids are also a part of the Kiwanis Club,” said Longoria. “Kids from Crain and their families come out and man Fun Stops” around the family ride route, to “show off what Riverside Park has to offer as well.” “Everyone [who helped] is extremely community-oriented.
” Longoria said. “And we wanted to end Spring Break with a blast.”.
