Upstate Forever will host its fifth annual Preservation Ride in Spartanburg County on Saturday, Sept. 17. This unique bicycle ride fundraiser will provide cyclists of all levels an opportunity to ride some of the most scenic routes in Spartanburg County while raising money and awareness for one of the most effective and respected conservation organizations in South Carolina.

Over the past four years, the event has attracted over 500 riders, and Upstate Forever is looking forward to another wonderful ride throughout northern Spartanburg County, with options for 20-, 40- and 75-mile routes.

The ride’s three routes were carefully selected by experienced bicyclists to highlight the rolling horse and farm country of northern Spartanburg County and to pass by two beautiful protected properties—the historic Four Columns property, and Greenspace of Fairview, the largest property protected by Upstate Forever.

Four Columns is a 120-acre tract located along the North Pacolet River, while the Greenspace of Fairview, a 1,331-acre property in Spartanburg County defined by almost two miles of frontage on the North Pacolet River and mixed hardwood forests, will host the main rest stop for riders on the 75- and 40-mile routes.

The 75-mile route also has a unique feature for bicyclists looking for more than a casual ride with its climb over Skyuka Mountain. Professional cyclist George Hincapie calls Skyuka Mountain his “favorite mountain in all of the Carolinas,” with its challenging ascent and striking views.

Bicycle riders participating in the Preservation Ride have the chance to compete for a number of prizes by raising money for Upstate Forever through CrowdRise, a powerful online fundraising platform. Anyone raising $125 will receive a newly designed Hincapie Sportswear Jersey. The top fundraiser will win a brand new set of Boyd Cycling Rouleur Wheels courtesy of Boyd Cycling.

Upstate Forever also looks forward to making this ride a waste-free event by using Spartanburg Water Choose Tap water coolers, serving a plated meal and using compost bins to set a sustainable model for other bicycle rides and events.

“This ride is aimed to raise awareness of the beauty of Scenic Hwy. 11 and the need to continue to protect its specialness through voluntary conservation agreements,” says Upstate Forever’s Spartanburg Office Director Angela Viney. “These permanent agreements add buffers to protect our lakes, rivers and streams while also preserving the spectacular view sheds that bicycle riders enjoy routinely. We’re really excited to host this ride in Spartanburg County to highlight the increasing importance of Upstate Forever’s work in land conservation, air and water quality, and sustainable communities.”

Headquarters for the ride is at Strawberry Hill Farms, 3097 Hwy. 11, in Chesnee, S.C. Family-owned and operated since 1946, Strawberry Hill provides the perfect location for the ride’s headquarters with its wide range of fall family activities.

Registration and details for the Preservation Ride can be found at upstateforever.org/preservation-ride/.

– article submitted by Nancy Fitzer