CALDWELL -
It's a three-day, 100-mile, non-competitive bike ride through the scenic Greenbrier River Valley. And it's for a good cause, too.
This spring marks the 25th anniversary of the Greenbrier River Trail Bike Trek on May 17-20. The trip begins in the old Pocahontas County railroad town of Cass and winds its way through the spectacular views of the Greenbrier River. It ends 100 miles downstream in the Greenbrier County community of Caldwell.
"We are hoping to have a monumental event this year for our 25th anniversary," said Chaste Truman Barclay, development manager of the sponsoring American Lung Association. "It's the largest fundraiser we have in the state. Some riders have been coming here for 24 years."
The emphasis for the Trek is not on record-breaking times but rather on an enjoyable experience and raising charitable funds.
"By riding in this event, trekkers help ALA bring attention to the devastating chronic illness of lung disease and raise funds to fight lung disease," she said. "The majority of our participants are dedicated trekkers, joining us year after year. We look forward to see them again for this milestone year and introducing the trail to new ALA supporters."
The course covers 34 miles the first day, 44 the second and 22 miles near the finish. Since the trail covers a railroad grade, the course is relatively flat.
"This is a very low key, go at your own pace event," said Barclay. "Some of the riders will stop along the way to go fishing or even briefly go caving.
"We had a rider who covered 100 miles on a unicycle and we had an 11-year-old boy who was in his sixth year of participating. He rode on a tandem bike. We have children and grandchildren, too. Last year we had riders from Canada, China and several states in the US."
Participants will go through two tunnels, including the 402-foot Droop Mountain Tunnel. The trail is hard packed and bicycles with large, wide tires are recommended. Cyclists with varying levels of experience, including beginners, are invited.
Riders will be staying two nights at the Inn at Snowshoe. Participants attend an orientation session and have an outdoor cook-out. The final evening will be spent at Camp Anthony around a bonfire. All meals, as well as refreshments on the trail, are included. Transportation includes gear shuttle, sag service and rest stops every eight to ten miles. Medical personnel and a bike mechanic will accompany the Trek.
There is a $50 registration fee and a minimum fundraising requirement of $450. All proceeds benefit the American Lung Association. Register at www.lunginfo.org/trek.
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