The deadline for a special family rate for the two-mile Tour de Grand bike ride is quickly approaching.
In its third year, the Tour de Grand continues to accompany the annual Bikes, Blues & Bayous, the state’s largest bike ride. The event is sponsored by the Greenwood-Leflore County Chamber of Commerce.
Before the Friday deadline, registration is $20 per person. For families, the first member pays $20, and registration is $10 each for up to three additional members. After the deadline, registration will be $25 per person.
“The Tour de Grand has grown every year and keeps getting bigger,” said Terry Grantham of the Chamber of Commerce. “The ride is a way to get the families involved with Bikes, Blues & Bayous, and the family rate is a way to encourage more people to ride in it.”
The Tour de Grand has become popular for children and novice cyclists who want to be a part of the Bikes, Blues & Bayous festivities.
The event is open to all ages, and Tour de Grand riders should arrive at the corner of Grand Boulevard and Claiborne Avenue — Bowie Realty’s parking lot — before the ride’s 8:15 a.m. start on Aug. 1. During the Tour de Grand, participants will travel down scenic Grand Boulevard. A rider under 7 years old must be accompanied by an adult, and all participating in the Tour de Grand must wear helmets.
“If an adult is accompanying a child, they don’t have to be in the ride. They can walk beside them,” said Grantham. “If they ride, they do need to register.”
The cost for registration also includes a Tour de Grand T-shirt, finisher ribbon and entry to the post-ride party, which will be held in the Regions Bank parking lot on Howard Street and will feature free pizza, cold beverages and inflatables.
Those who register for the Tour de Grand by Friday will also be eligible to win the “Big Green” bicycle donated by Regions Bank. The drawing will be held prior to the Tour de Grand at the start area.
Regular registration for Bikes, Blues & Bayous will also end on Friday. The fee for all rides — 11, 20, 46 and 62 miles — is $45 person by Friday. Late registration will be $50 per participant. Also, no refunds will be given after the Friday deadline.
As of this morning, 606 participants had registered for the race. Last year, 731 registered.
To sign up for the Tour de Grand or Bikes, Blues & Bayous, go to www.bikesbluesbayous.com or visit the Greenwood-Leflore Chamber of Commerce, located at 402 U.S. 82.
For more information, call the chamber at 453-4152 or send an email to bikesbluesbayous@hotmail.com.
• Contact Ruthie Robison at 581-7233 or rrobison@gwcommonwealth.com.
