“Put your pedal to the pavement” could be send-off cheer for the second annual Park’s Poker Pedal and Park’s Pedal Party events planned for Saturday, June 3. Starting at the amphitheatre at Clear Creek Park, the two bicycle events will benefit the second phase of the Greenway Trail off North Seventh Street.
Parks consultant Clay Cottongim said hundreds have enjoyed walking, hiking, biking and jogging along the first Phase of the Greenway Trail that winds its way along Clear Creek. The second phase has received a $100,000 matching grant toward which land and monetary donations have been made. However, Cottongim said the goal for the June 3 activities is to bring in $25,000. The overall master plan will take the Greenway Trail eventually to Red Orchard Park.
This two-mile stretch is off North Seventh Street, starting at the Seventh Street bridge and running around behind Calvary Cemetery, school and private properties to connect to Lake Shelby. The Park’s Pedal Party will use some existing paved trails from the park to Lake Shelby and to adjacent neighborhoods. It travels 2 to 8 miles with a $8 registration fee single; $24 for family of four; $6 each additional family member; children 5 and under free.
The Poker Pedal takes cyclists on county roads with various stops that provide refreshments, a History Quiz with prizes at the end for those with the most correct answers, and a draw for cards to create the prize winning poker hand. Prizes also awarded for this non-competitive ride. The routes and registration fees are:
*62 mile …$45 registration fee
*40 mile …$45 registration fee
*21 mile …$20 registration fee
The Park’s Poker Pedal begins at 8:30 a.m. with the Park’s Pedal Party beginning at 10 a.m. (Raindate is June 4). Riders for both non-competitive events can register online at www.headfirstperformance.com. Late registration fee is an additional $10. Registration forms can also be obtained at Clear Creek Park.
Questions can be directed to Cottongim: 502-437-5244 or 502-321-0612.
Shelby County Parks Foundation 