5th Annual Alabama Backroads Century Series Announced
Series offers 13 Bicycling Events to Benefit Charities and Causes Across the State
Tuscaloosa, Alabama, March 25, 2017 - Series Director, Pixie Hicks announced that again 13 well-established and supported bicycle rides would be included in this year’s Alabama Backroads Century Series. The Presenting Sponsor, Buffalo Rock/Pepsi with Supporting Sponsors, Academy Sports + Outdoors, Primal Wear Sporting Apparel, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, and TREK Bicycles kick off the season on April 1st with Cyclepaths Challenge in Monroeville.
With four new events this year, cyclists will have the opportunity to enjoy new scenery from Elkmont and Florence to Mobile and Dothan with plenty of views in between.
Pixie believes the success of the Series comes from both recognizing and rewarding cyclists for the goals they set and work so hard to achieve. After each century (100-mile) ride, participants are awarded a quality and collectible Centurion’s medal and photographed for the website. “We frequently have a photographer on the road too, so after each event hundreds of photos are posted on the website and our social media.” After pedaling 4 centuries, an embroidered patch in the shape of Alabama is awarded. The patch indicates locations of each of the 13 rides."
As of 2015, a CHAMPION’S jersey is awarded anyone doing 10 or more of the 100-mile routes and Champions are recognized at an annual Awards Ceremony and Banquet….this past year at Guntersville State Park.
This year cyclists have the added challenge to complete all 13 centuries with those achieving that goal having the opportunity to take home a new TREK Emonda ALR5 or $1,000 in Academy Sports gift cards.
Currently a database of nearly 6,000 contacts is used to share news through a newsletter service. The Series website offers a page for each event, showing registration, website, and social media links as well as ride day schedules, host hotels, and downloadable route maps.
College of Business, Auburn Montgomery survey results show a 2016 economic impact across the state of nearly six million dollars with numbers increasing by over 1,000 participants from the previous year. As a new ride, the W.C. Handy 3 State Bike Ride in Florence more than doubled its numbers and our North Jefferson Century increased from 60 to 240 riders.
In addition to the cycling opportunities they provide, the events promote awareness of, and are an important funding source for various charitable causes across the state. Examples are Moody’s Tour de Blue, which benefits the Urology Health Foundation, Dothan’s TriStates 100 raising funds for the Dawn Pitchford Fund, Children’s of Alabama, Mobile’s Gears & Beers: Bayou 100 which champions the Delta Bike Project.
In an effort to spread the Series concept to neighboring states, the Fenner Ride in Milton, Florida will be the first Invitational Event in the Series. If successful, we’ll be looking at inviting a new out-of-state ride each year.
You can find details of all the events, results and links to registration, on Gran Fondo Guide's 2017 Alabama Backroads Series Dashboard.