Annual Stampede raises funds

May 15, 2025

By Daniel Moctezuma

Belton Journal

Cyclists from across Texas arrived at the Harris Community Center on Saturday morning for the 2025 Belton Lions Club Stampede on the Chisholm Trail Bike Ride, an annual fundraiser that winds through the Bell County countryside.

The event began with a 7:30 a.m. ceremony featuring remarks from local leaders, a prayer, and the national anthem performed by the Belton High School Madrigal Choir. The Belton High JROTC presented the colors before the ride officially started at 8 a.m.

John Corsi, Lions Club member and event announcer, reminded riders that although the event wasn’t timed, it was part of the club’s larger fundraising efforts.

“This is one of the annual fundraisers by the Belton Lions Club supporting community programs and our partnership with the City of Belton for Heritage Park,” Corsi said.

Participants could choose between four route distances, 12, 30, 55, or 62 miles. Rest stops along each route offered snacks, pickle

juice, Gatorade, and shaded areas.

Karen Stagner, one of the event organizers, said improvements were made this year based on rider feedback from 2024.

“We added canopy shade to each rest stop, increased signage, provided peanut butter sandwiches, and even relocated a stop to avoid gravel,” she said.

Sherry Ayres, a first-time participant, said the event’s focus connected with her past work.

“When I realized it was for special needs, which is what I used to teach, I couldn’t resist,” Ayres said. “I was a transition teacher for many years, and a lot of the funding goes to things I stood for.”

James Powell returned for a second year and said his main reason for participating was to support local children.

“I did the 30-mile last year,” Powell said. “Today I’m doing the short ride, but it’s all to help raise money for the kids.”

After finishing the ride, participants were treated to hot dogs prepared by trainees from Eldred’s Nursery Foundation and sno-cones

served by BISD Delta Program students. The snow cone machine was donated by King of the Mountain Cyclery, the ride’s official bike shop.

Sergeant Major Matthew Conrad, Belton High School’s Marine Corps JROTC instructor, said the event offered a valuable experience for his cadets.

“They had a chance to perform for the community,” he said. “Watching them present the colors and carry themselves rofessionally, it was really exciting to see.”

Proceeds from the event support Lions Club programs such as scholarships for Belton High seniors, eye exams and glasses for BISD

students, holiday meals for special needs families, and ongoing support for the Lions Playground at Heritage Park.