Tour De Tifton ready to ride for 14th year

Becky Taylor, The Tifton Gazette, Ga.
·2 min read

Mar. 13—TIFTON — Sound the bicycle bells, the 14th annual Tour De Tifton Ilse Boyette Memorial Charity Bike Ride is set for March 23.

"We're looking forward to a great day," said Tiftarea YMCA CEO Jason Bishoff.

The Tour De Tifton already is well established at this point, but the YMCA continues to keep things fresh. Bishoff said there is a new 48.5-mile mixed track. "It has concrete and gravel," he said. The YMCA will also have a pickleball tournament at the covered courts at the Hunt Park campus.

Routes range from an 11-mile beginner's course, to lengths of 25, 45, 62 and 100 miles, along with the 48.5-mile mixed course.

"All through the rolling country of South Georgia," Bishoff said. "As rolling as it gets," he joked of this area's almost completely flat surface. Longer routes leave Tift County, going as far as Ashburn and Rebecca in Turner County, depending on course.

All courses begin and end at the Tiftarea Y's Hunt Park Campus at 1823 Westover Road. For those traveling from out of town, the easiest way to get to Hunt Park is by taking the 8th Street exit on I-75, Exit 63-B.

The ride begins at 8 a.m. for all courses. Participants are asked to check in by 7 a.m.

The Tour De Tifton is not just a staple for area bicycle riders, but has become a tradition for many not from this area. Bishoff said there were riders from Canada last year, along with eight different states.

And the fun is not limited to one generation.

Those riding range from youth to those in their 70s and 80s, he said. An 86-year-old rider from last year has already signed up for the 2024 edition.

Riders can register or find more information at: https://www.tiftareaymca.org/tour-de-tifton/. Registration is in its late phase, but still open at $50 per participant.

"It's been a great event," Bishoff said. "We have a lot of great people involved with it."

As always, many volunteers make the Tour De Tifton work. They man the rest stops along the way if anyone needs a break.

Sponsors are: Dr. Mac Sims; Dr. Edward and Emily Hellman; Think Tifton; Dr. Bret Wagenhorst; Lon P. Kemeness, attorney at law; Patti and Ray Barber; Patricia Timper; Bike Walk Tift; Joe and Jane Gray; Dr. Wesley W. Walker; and South Georgia Banking Company.