-Press Release provided by Vance-Granville Community College
The Sixth Annual Tour de Vance Bicycle Ride, scheduled for Saturday, April 28, is drawing cyclists from surrounding counties in addition to locals, organizers say.
Online registration continues through 5 p.m. on Friday, April 27, but riders can also register on-site at Vance-Granville Community College’s Main Campus on the morning of the race, with check-in starting at 7:30 a.m.
“This is a great time to dust off your bicycle and join the ride,” said Wendy Meyer-Goodwin, who has been working as event organizer since the Tour de Vance began. “This ride has been growing steadily since its inception, drawing families and first-timers in addition to the most seasoned of cyclists for four separate cycling events.”
Proceeds from the ride this year will benefit the Endowment Fund at Vance-Granville Community College, with donations supporting scholarships for students enrolled in Health Sciences programs at the college.
“We have several options available for cyclists,” said Meyer-Goodwin. “The 10-mile route is ideal for youth, families and beginners. A 20-mile course suits riders ready for a bit more distance. Experienced cyclists can choose a 31-mile ‘Forest and Farmland’ circle route through the country or a 62-mile ‘Kerr Lake Look’ that adds to that 31-mile circle route an out-and-back spur to the lake past the Nutbush Creek State Recreation Area.”
“Along the routes, rest stops and a ‘SAG wagon’ following the last cyclist of each distance will offer support when needed,” she added. “Law enforcement will accompany riders on the 10-mile route for added excitement. Whether you are new to a bicycle or regularly put your mettle to the pedal, come join us for this fun, healthy event.”
The rides start and finish in front of the Civic Center at VGCC’s Main Campus, located off Interstate 85 and Poplar Creek Road at 200 Community College Road in Henderson.
All riders can register through the VGCC website at vgcc.edu/tourdevance.
The 10-mile ride will cost $10 for each rider. The 20-mile ride will cost $25, and the 31-mile and 62-mile (or “metric century”) rides will cost $40.
“Vance-Granville’s Endowment Fund is honored to be associated with an event that has become such a success,” said Eddie Ferguson, director of the VGCC Endowment Fund. “This bicycle ride promotes the importance of exercise and good health. We are pleased to use these proceeds to help our students enrolled in the many Health Sciences programs at VGCC.”
VGCC offers curriculum programs including Associate Degree Nursing, Radiography, Practical Nursing, Histotechnology, Medical Assisting and Pharmacy Technology.
The 62-mile ride starts at 8:30 a.m., the 31-mile ride at 9:30 a.m., the 20-mile ride at 10 a.m., and the 10-mile ride at 10:30 a.m. Law enforcement will accompany riders on the 10-mile route.
The starting times represent a change from previous rides. Starting times are being staggered to have more riders ending near the same time, Meyer-Goodwin added.
Lunch will be provided.
Participating sponsors include Granville Vance Public Health, Carolina GI Associates PC, OmniPoint General Surgery, Barnett Properties, Spoke Cycles, Henderson Fruit & Produce, Prim Rentals, T&T Laundries, Benchmark Community Bank, Chick-fil-A, Medical Arts Pharmacy, George Watkins, The Rogers Group, AAA Gas, Chase Development, Family Eye Center, William L. Stark CPA, Dave Williams, Roberson Family Dentistry, College Station, Ted’s Catering, Robinson Ferry, Bearpond Market, Carolina Kettle, Superior Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep, and Black & White Coffee.
For more information, contact Wendy Meyer-Goodwin at tourdevance@gmail.com.
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