Tour De Tifton returning March 26
Published 12:00 pm Friday, March 18, 2022
TIFTON — Many riders will answer the bell on March 26. The bicycle bell, that is. That will be the date of the annual Tour De Tifton Ilse Boyette Memorial Charity Bike Run.
The event, which benefits Tiftarea YMCA programs and scholarships for youth, is a popular one said Tiftarea YMCA CEO Jason Bishoff, with riders from multiple states already scheduled to take part. He said the Tour has grown every year.
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Sign ups can be done at the YMCA website, said Bishoff (specifically, www.tiftareaymca.org/tour-de-tifton.php). The pre-registration period has ended, but there is still a discount available if participants sign up before the raise. Registration is $45 now, but rises to $50 on the day of the event, March 26.
All who register before the Tour De Tifton begins are guaranteed a T-shirt. Regardless of registration time, all who enter will have the opportunity to stop for snacks at special stops along the courses. Those who complete either “century” course earn a gift.
The YMCA describes the riding environment as “gently rolling countryside.” Courses are a beginners’ 11-mile course, intermediate level 24- and 45-mile loops and the century courses, 62 and 100 miles for advanced riders. The century courses must be completed within seven hours.
All routes start at the YMCA’s Hunt Park Campus, located on Westover Road. Cyclists are asked to check in by 7:30 p.m. Those who want to register to ride that day can do so starting at 7 a.m.
Helmets are required for all cyclists. Any participant under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is also riding.
Bishoff said that in response to requests from participants, the course offerings have been expanded this year. “A gravel track,” he said. “A lot of people have been asking about it, so we went ahead and did it.” The 48-mile route will incorporate some of the other paved tracks, but will cover new roads.
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The shorter routes stay within Tift County, but he said the 100-mile journey goes all the way to the Turner County town of Rebecca.
“The neat thing this year is that, so far, the 100-mile is my biggest (most popular) track so far,” Bishoff said. “A lot of cyclists are training to get ready this year.”
Individuals from Robins Air Force Base will be leading the routes, he said. They will also provide assistance to cyclists needing it. The Gold Wings will also be assisting on the routes.
Paul Horst and Dr. Bret Wagenhorst recently gave the routes a ride, he said, to ensure they were still good roads. The duo are involved of many events. “They do a lot for the Y,” Bishoff said.
Bishoff thanked Food Lion for their assistance this year.
For more information, call the YMCA at (229) 391-9622.
