This Fourth of July the hills of our area will come alive as the Fabulous 4th Bike Tour begins at Harmon Field. Organizers expect 300-400 riders to participate in this year’s 29th annual event with two courses – 67 miles for those who want a challenge and 34 miles for those who just want a workout. Registration is from 5:30 – 7:30 a.m., with riders starting the race from 7 – 7:30 a.m.
Proceeds from the tour will be used to fund the Rotary Club of Tryon’s “Gift of Life Program.” The original Gift of Life program was started by Rotary in1975. In 2011, prompted by the current economic times, it was decided that the focus of The Gift of Life Program would be to provide funds to aid local families who were facing challenges, by providing specialized medical care for their children. Since 2011, the new Gift of Life program has helped three local families.
Johnathan Mills, age 7, of Tryon is a recent recipient of the Gift of Life program.   Johnathan was in need of a custom wheelchair for his daily activities, and through the monies generated by the ride for the Gift of Life Program the Rotary Club of Tryon was able to help Johnathan with the special wheelchair.
For additional information about the bike tour, contact Katie Malone, event director, tricoach@windstream.net. For information about the Gift of Life program, contact Don Lyons, foxchapelfarm9@gmail.com, or to become a sponsor of this event, contact Stacey Lindsay, sponsorship chair, at stacey001@windstream.net.
If you happen to see bikers enjoying the beautiful day and the magnificent views of our area while they ride, be sure to wave and say thank you. It’s for a good cause – our children.