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Sammy Ruiz “Conquers the Coast”
- Updated: October 16, 2015
Bill Keltner
La Feria eighth-grader excels in Marathon
It was a happy day for La Feria’s own Sammy Ruiz and his family when he crossed the finish line in the 68-mile Bike Marathon in Corpus Christi, Texas.
The “Conquer the Coast” bike ride was sponsored jointly by the Corpus Christi, Texas Chamber of Commerce and the Corpus Christi Cycle Club on September 19, 2015. It was the 12th Annual running of the event, which began in Corpus Christi on July 27, 2007. It is a premiere event for all cyclists nationwide. This year’s event drew over 1750 registered bikers from all over the country.
The event got underway as the bikers lined up at the starting gate at Whataburger Field to await the starting signal. The bikers had the expansive Corpus Christi Bay as a backdrop as they made it to Port Aransas, where they crossed over on the ferryboat and returned to Whataburger Field. As a result, the bikers could survey the very coast they had set out to conquer.
Sammy Ruiz receives medal at Corpus Christi Bike Marathon
La Feria’s Sammy Ruiz completed the grueling 68-mile bike ride in an amazing 4 hours and 22 minutes. This placed him in the top ranking of those who completed the Bike Marathon, for which, he got a medal. He described it as a beautiful, but exhausting experience..
Sammy’s father gave us a little background on his son’s background. Surprisingly, this was Sammy’s first official bike ride and first attempt at an official bike Marathon. He said his son got in shape for the event by gradually building up strength and endurance on his Giant brand racing bike.
“He started out at 5 miles, then progressed to 10 miles, then 30 miles and eventually 68 miles.” his father said. “Last year, Sammy took part in a 13.l Half-Marathon in Harlingen and got his first medal.”
Sam Ruiz said that the whole family supports Sammy in his achievement. His mother, Diane, and older brother, Jonathan were very excited about Sammy’s award.
Sammy is thirteen years old and is an eighth-grader attending Vela Middle School in Harlingen.
Readers wanting more information about this year’s “Conquer the Coast” bike ride or plans for next year, can contact Sammy at 956 534 0401 or [email protected]. Also check with Bicycle World in Harlingen.
