Published: July 03, 2009 02:23 pm      

Riders gearing up for 21st annual Peach Pedal

Galen Scott

gscott@weatherforddemocrat.com

“When the spirits are low, when the day appears dark, when work becomes monotonous, when hope hardly seems worth having, just mount a bicycle and go out for a spin down the road, without thought on anything but the ride you are taking.”

As many as 2,000 cyclists are inclined to follow this advice, offered by Scottish physician Arthur Conan Doyle, at the 21st annual Peach Pedal Bike Ride Saturday, July 11.

Preregistration costs $25 or participants can register for $30 the day of the ride. Organizers are offering online registration until midnight July 9th at www.peachpedal.com. The Web site lists information packet pick-up locations and includes a route map.

Organizers are offering four course length options — a 100k, 39-mile, 26-mile and 9-mile — covering various terrain including tough hills interspersed with flat stretches of Parker County.

Cyclists competing in all races except the 9-mile are routed along Old Dennis Road, stretching west toward the Brazos River.

Scenery is spectacular along the way, overlooking vast prairies and culminating with a swooping escarpment down to the river valley at Dennis.

Peach pedalers formerly assembled at Shirley Hall Middle School, but the popular race eventually necessitated a starting point with less traffic and more open area.

When the starting point was moved to Weatherford High School last year, the routes had to be changed completely, according to this year’s ride director, Brent Baker.

“The riders loved the new routes, so we’re keeping them,” Baker said. “We made a couple of minor adjustments to rest stops, but just about everything else is the same.”

Proceeds from the event are shared by the Weatherford College Foundation the Weatherford Chamber of Commerce. Last year, the Peach Pedal raised approximately $35,000.

“This is one of the largest bike rides in Texas, and it’s a great way to show off the beautiful countryside of Parker County!” said Baker.