More than 150 cyclists peddled their way to donations on Nov. 7 during the second annual “Ride for Hunger,” an all-day spin-a-thon to raise money to feed those in need.

Synergy Total Fitness worked with Flagstaff Family Food Center (FFFC) to put on the event. The general donation was $1 per minute. However, some companies reserved bikes for the entire day and had different cyclists on a team take turns, covering a total time of at least five hours.

Volunteers ride exercise bikes to combat hunger at the second annual “Ride for Hunger” fundraiser. Proceeds will be donated to the Flagstaff Family Food Center. Ben Weitzenkorn / The Lumberjack

Carolyn Maul-Latham, the owner of Synergy and a fitness specialist, hosted the spin-a-thon along with seven instructors leading the ride. Last year, Maul-Latham approached Sam Godin, the executive director of FFFC, with the idea to reach out to the community through nutrition and exercising.

“It’s a joy because the food center deserves it,” Maul-Latham said. “This is how I am able to give back to the community. My whole thing is promoting health and fitness, as well as healthy eating.”

People of all ages and backgrounds donated their time for what they viewed to be a great cause.

Maul-Latham added extra incentives for riders who passed certain donation milestones. The grand prize, a Clean Eating Dinner Party for the winner and five friends prepared by Carolyn Maul-Latham in the winner’s home, went to the cyclist who was able to collect the most in donations.

Amy Rhodes, a paralegal, started coming to spinning classes in June of 2008. She started teaching near the end of August and has been with Synergy ever since. Rhodes raised $265 while spinning during this spin-a-thon.

“It’s very addicting and so much fun,” Rhodes said. “You get to meet many people while working out, and today you know you’re spinning for a great cause.”

The FFFC has been open since December 1991, and during that time it has served more than one million hot, nutritious meals. They offer all-you-can-eat free meals every day. The meals consist of meat, rice, pasta or potatoes, steamed vegetables, salad, fruit, bread, and dessert in a safe and pleasant environment. The FFFC also offers children help with their homework. The group’s only requirement is visitors must be sober to enter the dining room, thus avoiding the requirement of documentation of need.

The FFFC is built on a very solid support base of volunteers from within the community. Godin said he appreciates the time and effort spent by local businesses such as Synergy to organize a fundraiser.

“A lot of the fundraisers are events that aren’t really conducive to families,” Godin said. “We wanted to do something that didn’t involve alcohol. This promotes more health and fitness ideals.”