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FOOTHILLS–The Rotary Club of Tryon’s Fabulous Fourth Bike Tour returns this Saturday, July 1, with cyclists from across the region participating in the annual event This year’s ride features some key changes for the first time in years.

“The course has been changed mostly for safety reasons and to incorporate better pavement,” says Katie Malone, the tour’s co-director.

Another change is honoring local cyclist Carrie Armstrong who was struck and killed by a car while riding in Polk County on March 23. There will be a large banner and stickers on bikes reading “Carrie On” in her memory.

“Just so people will remember who she was and what she gave to the community,” says Malone.

The tour began in the early 1980s with a 68-mile course that winds through Columbus, Landrum and Tryon. A shorter 35-mile course was added in 2012.

“I felt like we were missing out on a lot of potential cyclists joining us because it was too long and too difficult,” says Malone.

“So the shorter one is really meant to encourage everyone to be able to come out and ride.” 

The Rotary Club of Tryon took over the annual event as a fundraiser in 2015.

“The funds that are raised from the bike tour go to our local foundation and from there we give grants back to the community to local nonprofits who need some help in achieving their mission,” says club president Carol Browning. “It also goes to help some of Rotary’s international projects.” 

The tour starts at Harmon Field at 7:30 a.m. and riders can register right up to the start of the ride. There will be aid stations offering water, fruit and other snacks along the way and Rotarians will provide lunch for riders afterward. Typically, 200 to 300 cyclists participate.

For more information go to https://www.bikesignup.com/Race/NC/Tryon/Fabulous4thofJulyBikeTour