Ninety-four cyclists had registered for the fifth annual Bikes, Blues & Bayous as of this morning, well ahead of last year’s pace, organizer Richard Beattie said.
Fifty-eight had registered at the same time last year, said Beattie, a member of the Money Road Cycling Club who is in charge of marketing and promotion for the Aug. 4 event.
The club is hosting Bikes, Blues & Bayous in conjunction with the Greenwood-Leflore County Chamber of Commerce.
Early online registration, which is $35 per rider, ends Thursday. People can register online at www.bikesbluesbayous.com. After Thursday, registration is $40 per rider.
In 2011, Bikes, Blues & Bayous broke all records, drawing some 442 riders to Greenwood.
Paige Hunt, executive director of the Greenwood Convention and Visitors Bureau, said Bikes, Blues & Bayous has staying power.
“It’s grown every year that they’ve had it,” she said. “People are cycling more and more now. It’s something that all ages can participate in. It’s a wonderful opportunity to bring people from all over the Southeast to Greenwood.”
Beattie said the economic impact of Bikes, Blues & Bayous has been measured and found to be “well in the six figures.”
The event features routes of 20, 46, and 58 miles. The 20-mile route is intended for beginners or casual riders, and the longer courses are intended for more seasoned cyclists, Beattie said.
He said the effort depends upon a dedicated group of 75 and 100 local volunteers who plan and host the event. “Also, the community is getting more involved,” he said.
Hunt said that as Bikes, Blues & Bayous becomes more established, the positive trends will continue.
“Folks come for the event, then they realize that Greenwood is a great place and they come back again,” she said.
