George Rock and Ride Bike Tour happening May 19
Emry Dinman Staff Writer | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 6 years, 6 months AGO
The Quincy Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual Rock and Ride Bike Tour May 19, featuring 18-, 35- and 70-mile courses that start and end in George.
Highlighting the varied terrain surrounding George, the ride routes skirt the nearby Columbia River and Winchester Wasteway, as well as a small piece of the Columbia Basin’s pre-irrigation past, the Desert Habitat Management Area.
Event organizers ask that participants preregister at quincyvalley.org so that they can fully accommodate riders with water and other refreshments. Route maps will be made available at the event, and one can be viewed on the registration page.
Check in and in-person registration starts at 8 a.m., though riders who preregister don’t need to arrive before their ride begins. The 70-mile ride starts at 8:30 a.m., the 35-mile ride starts at 9 a.m., and the 18-mile ride starts at 10 a.m.
Event sponsors and volunteers will assist bikers with mechanical support and water bottles. Rest stations will be available throughout the course.
Bikers finishing their courses will arrive to an “After Ride Feed,” provided by the Georgettes, a community volunteer group. The “After Ride Feed” will include refreshments and live music provided by local band Ron Gear and the Gear Jammers. Massages will also be provided to sore riders by local vendor Nichol’s Healing Hands.
Food and music will continue from noon to 3:30 p.m. to accommodate returning riders.
Cost is $35 for riders 12 and older, $15 for riders 8-11, and free for riders 7 and younger. Proceeds from the event will primarily go to support the George Community Hall, a local nonprofit event organizer.
For the safety of participants, Snell or American National Standards Institute-approved helmets are required.