District Governor Mike Dutra had assigned Edwin Velarde (Chair of D5240 Action Group for Diabetes) to organize a bicycle ride during the 2025 District 5240 Conference in Ventura California. District Governor Mike Dutra supports the district’s initiative to promote active lifestyle in our communities and the newly formed D5240 Action Group for Diabetes.
DG Mike and wife Cindy will be participating in the ride. A long time D5240 Rotarian and Past-President of RC Westlake Village, Edwin Velarde is the founder of the EPiC Journey Against Diabetes who have engaged in ultra-distance cycling to multiple Rotary International Conventions. Edwin prioritized safety in his rides and cycled with many Rotarians around the world of various cycling background and ability.
Special guests of the D5240 Conference and this exciting outdoor fellowship activity are John Hewko (General Secretary & CEO of Rotary International) and wife Marga Hewko (Past-President of Rotary Club of Chicago One). The Hewko’s are seasoned cyclists that have used their passion on 2 wheels to benefit Rotary causes, in particular, the very successful Rotary Ride to End Polio in Tucson, AZ every November. The Hewko’s are great supporters of the EPiC Journey Against Diabetes. District 5240 is honored to have John and Marga participate in what our district is promoting in our communities - Healthy & Active Lifestyle which leads to prevention and proper management of diseases like diabetes and its many related complications.
John & Marga Hewko, DG Mike and Cindy Dutra, Kim Fly (D5240 Chief of Staff), other Rotary Leaders, D5240 Rotarians and Friends, and Ride Leader Edwin Velarde will be ready to roll at 2:00PM Saturday, October 18th, 2025 starting at the Ventura Waterfront Prominade next to The Crown Plaza Ventura where the District Conference will be held.
The Rotary Relax Rincon Ride is not a race nor a high intensity activity. It’s emphasis is safety and fellowship. This is a fantastic time to bond with Rotary leaders and movers & shakers of Rotary in a relax and fun outdoor setting while promoting active lifestyle in the community. Map and Details of the Route with multiple turnaround points will be released soon. Bike rental company is also being secured for those not able to bring their own bicycle. Join the ride, volunteer and/or donate to Rotary Relax Rincon Ride.
More details to follow. For any question, contact Edwin A. Velarde – edwinvelarde@att.net or Kim Fly – flymanor@me.com
