Bikes, Blues & Bayous brings in hundreds of cyclists and others every year to Greenwood from across the country.
The success of Mississippi’s largest bike ride, though, is starting to strain the city’s ability to accommodate the visitors’ lodging needs.
In response, the Greenwood-Leflore County Chamber of Commerce is again encouraging residents to open their homes, guest rooms or other accommodations as a place for the riders to stay.
“We are trying our best to keep them in Greenwood. If we can get them a place to stay here, that would be ideal,” said Beth Stevens, executive director of the chamber.
Although the event is set for August, Greenwood hotels are booked months, sometimes a year in advance. Stevens said a majority of the city’s hotels are already full for the Aug. 4 event.
As it has for the last two years, the chamber is offering to list on the Bikes, Blues & Bayous website local residences or properties to be rented out.
Listing a home or property is simple. Those who have a place to stay can call the chamber. Stevens said owners will need to fill out a form about their property and can list amenities that will make their rental more attractive, such as a pool or breakfast provided. Photos of the property also must be submitted.
Stevens said the chamber will post the listing for free on the website, and the riders will contact the property owners if they are interested. Owners set their own rental price.
“It’s a great source of income for the weekend,” she said.
Last year for its 10th anniversary, the event drew about 1,200 riders. Stevens said she expects these numbers to continue to grow. Registration opens today.
In the past, riders who couldn’t find accommodations in Greenwood have stayed at hotels and motels in Grenada, Winona and Indianola.
Stevens said renting a property not only provides an opportunity for owners to make some money but also amps up the city’s hospitable reputation.
“Our events are known for the hospitality. This takes that up to another level,” she said.
Only a handful of property owners have listed accommodations through the chamber in the past. One of those is Claire Smith, who rented a garage apartment during Bikes, Blues & Bayous for the last two years. She said she recommends the experience.
“They are good people that come through here,” Smith said. “It is good for tourism and the small shops.”
The same woman from Hattiesburg rented out the apartment from Smith, once with the rider’s husband and the following year with a group of friends.
“We developed a friendship through that,” she said.
Smith said she charged about the same rate as a hotel or a bit less. She left maps and brochures to tourist spots and restaurants in Greenwood.
“I definitely want to keep people here in Greenwood,” she said.
• Contact Lauren Randall at 581-7239 or lrandall@gwcommonwealth.com.
