(March 17, 2025) Merced, CA—Centurion & Supreme Boats employees and partners came together on March 15, 2025 in Merced, CA to participate in the Gran Fondo Hincapie bike race. As part of Team Operation Get Out, representatives from Centurion & Supreme boats, Operation Get Out, SewLong Custom Covers, GatorStep, Roswell, BluSurf, BoardCo, Belter Insurance, Jardum, Wet Sounds, and Marine Hardware, participated in 60 miles of the race alongside biking legend, George Hincapie.
The 60-mile ride took participants through rolling hills of the valley, open grasslands, and the rugged foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The race followed a storm that drenched the valley, putting Team Operation Get Out to the ultimate challenge.
“One of the most important pieces that we try to focus on is being intentional and being aware as we go out on the water or as we go out in nature. So, part of that journey, being with this group of friends, allows us time to be intentionally together really, you know, from a wellness perspective.” Says Steve Present, co-founder of Operation Get Out (OGO).
Operation Get Out is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to connecting people with one another as well as with the healing powers of nature and water. The longtime partner of Centurion Boats created a team for the Gran Fondo Hincapie encouraging others to get outside and into nature. One by one, vendor partners of both Centurion and Operation Get Out signed up in support of OGO’s initiative.
“I think it’s fun too with those of us who are in the [boating] industry and so many people that are doing this race or people that you walk side by side within different parts of the industry, it kind of strips the economics of why we have relationships and pulls it back down to humanity. That we all have an innate need for connections and to be able to do something that goes even deeper than a business aspect.” Shared Cindy Present, co-founder of Operation Get Out.
Team Operation Get out calls events like the Gran Fondo Hincapie a “cross pollination of industries,” because it brings everyone together for a shared goal. Some may train for months and others may not, but the overarching objective is the same.
“For us at Roswell, participating in this race is like paying back the community who is buying the boats with our product on it. This is such a healthy community participating in the race that supports Centurion.” Said Tracy Gragg, Senior OEM Account Manager at Roswell. “Centurion, like Roswell is a very innovative company and we’re both super focused on boating and community and what those things provide to the marine market.”
Prior to the race, the vendor partners gathered at the factory to assemble bikes that were donated to the Boys and Girls Club of Merced County. From assembling the bikes, to donating them and riding in the Hincapie to completing it, Centurion, Operation Get Out and all of the partners involved came together for the shared mission to make lives better and get people out into nature.
“You know my favorite part is the aftermath. The stories that are created and the memories that are shared. I mean it is extraordinary, if you will, this kind of day because it’s not sunshine and perfect weather and those times are not nearly as memorable as the times like this where you suffer a little bit together and work through adversity,” concluded Steve.
About Operation Get Out: Operation Get Out (OGO) was founded to provide the experiences and resources people need to intentionally utilize nature and water for positive mental and physical wellness. The OGO Team is dedicated to utilizing exposure to water in an outdoor environment as medicine for first responders, military, women, youth, and surviving partners who are dealing with PTS, loss, trauma, depression and anxiety. To learn more visit https://www.operationgetout.org.
About We Wake Waves: As a Correct Craft company, we are called to the path of “Making Life Better” and we strive to exemplify that phrase at every opportunity. We want to wake waves of positive change in ourselves, our families, our communities, and our world with our boats on or near the water. It could be as simple and seemingly small as teaching your child to wake surf or showing your significant other how to trailer a boat or as big as hosting an event that honors our service men and women. What’s Your Wave? How are you using your Centurion on, near, or relating to water to wake waves of positive change? We wake waves. Do you? Share your wave with us on social media using the hashtag #WeWakeWaves and visit www.centurionboats.com/we-wake-waves.com to learn more.
About Centurion Boats: Creating the World’s best waves, wakes and ride since 1976, Centurion is a towed water sports boat manufacturer built on innovation and commitment to excellence. As a Correct Craft Company, we are charged with “Making Lives Better”. We embody this phrase with the boats we build along with the lives we live on and off the water. Centurion Boats is the perfect ride every time. To learn more about Centurion Boats, visit http://www.centurionboats.com.
About Correct Craft: Celebrating 100 years of excellence in the marine industry, Correct Craft is a Florida-based company with global operations. Focused on “Making Life Better,” the Correct Craft family includes Nautique, Centurion, Supreme, Bass Cat, Yar-Craft, SeaArk, Parker, and Ingenity boat companies, Pleasurecraft Engine Group, Indmar Marine Engines, Velvet Drive Transmissions, Mach Connections, Merritt Precision, Osmosis, Watershed Innovation, and Aktion Parks. For more information, please visit www.correctcraft.com.