United Way of Gordon County is ready for the third annual U-Ride. “The bicycle ride that began in 2008 was such a success, the Board of Directors has decided to make it an annual event,” according Executive Director Vickie Spence. Due to severe weather, last year’s ride was delayed by one day and still managed to include 68 cyclists who traveled throughout Gordon County on one of three routes. Once again this year 14 miles, 35 miles, or 62 miles rides will be available to the riders. Volunteers are already working on plans to make the ride even better this year. The Cherokee Amateur Radio Society will be assisting with logistics for the ride again this year. Their radio communication capability offers better assistance to riders and immediate access to help if necessary. Their expertise will ensure a safer ride for everyone involved and will offer quick communication to public safety officials providing traffic control as well as ride assistance.

The U-Ride committee is made up of cyclist from Gordon County. The Calhoun Cycling Club membership along with others will be providing the technical support necessary to plan such an event. Registration information is available on their webpage at www.calhouncycling.org or at www.atctive.com. The 14 and 62 mile routes will not change from last year. Once again the 62 mile ride will include the very challenging Horn Mountain.

The 35 mile ride is a completely new ride that goes into Whitfield County and crosses I 75 from the Hill City area at the Flying J Truck Stop exit. The ride will show much of the beautiful Gordon County countryside. United Way of Gordon County agencies will once again volunteer to help with the race. Rest stops for riders will be covered by Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops. They will offer water, snacks, and support to the riders. Other agencies employees and Board members will be involved in the set-up, registration, lunch, and other activities. Trey Pierson will be on hand to provide entertainment to riders and their family members. Lunch will be provided and all three routes will be carefully monitored to ensure a safe ride. While the riders are enjoying their lunch columnist and world traveler Will Weir will be discussing his bicycling adventures. Riders from Lawrenceville, Canton, Cartersville, Kennesaw and Woodstock are among those already pre-registered through the Calhoun Cycling Club webpage.

United Way appreciates the sponsorships for the ride. AOSM Associates in Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine, Ava Roland, Bode Spence, Boy Scout Troop 22, Calhoun Cycling Club, Calhoun Gordon Convention and Visitors Bureau, Calhoun Times, Cherokee Capital Amateur Radio Society, Cherokee Cycles, City of Calhoun Police Dept., Dr. and Mrs. Steve King, Drs. Jen and Jason Crane, Firehouse Gym, Fitness First, Friends of the GEM, Girl Scout Troop 7097, Girl Scout Troop 7205, Girl Scout Troop 7222, Girl Scout Troop 7234, Gordon Hospital, Gordon County Emergency Management, Gordon County Sheriff’s Dept., Harris Art Center, Hype, Inc., Jack’s Movies and More, John Anderson Service Co., Lakelin Hall, M&S Logistics, North Georgia National Bank, Northwest Georgia Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, River Hall, Trey Pierson, DJ, Wal-Mart, WEBS, and WJTH

For more information contact Vickie Spence at 706-602-5548, vspence@gordoncountyunitedway.org, or drop by the Historic Calhoun Depot at 109 S. King St.