The Blood, Sweat and Gears Bike Club along with Methodist Healthcare were the promoters for the event.

With overcast skies remaining after a rainy night, attendance was less than expected, however, those who came were pleased with the course that some appropriately described as rolling hills. Both the 10-mile and 35-mile routes included mileage along Highway 423. The 10-mile route cut onto Carroll Lake Road then turning onto Highway 22 before heading into the home stretch on Pace Road.

The 35-mile route continued along Highway 423 to the Gordon Browning Highway where it headed south to the by-pass in Huntingdon, then back up Old Highway 22 to Fields School Road to reconnect with Highway 423 for the home stretch.

The meandering route was well patrolled by McKenzie police officers and Carroll County Sheriff’s Department officials who worked together to ensure a safe ride. In fact, several riders commented to Hospital Administrator Robert Scooter Miller that they “had never had as much law enforcement and traffic control support” as was provided for the ride.

Proud father David Garland of Pinson rode with daughter Hollie in her first organized ride. While the pair opted for the ten-miler, they have been riding 25 miles in pleasure rides and Hollie was first to come in from the 10-mile route, still fresh as a daisy. While David is cutting back this year to hone Hollie’s skills, she may soon be ready to join him in cycling’s 62.5 mile “metric century” events.

Hungry riders returned from their workout to enjoy a delicious lunch of hamburgers, hot dogs, baked beans, chips, cookies and bananas in the hospital cafeteria.

In addition to the fun and fitness aspects of the ride, funds raised will be used to benefit the Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare Foundation.

This year’s earnings will be used to enhance the McKenzie Community Walking Track on the hospital grounds. Plans include the placement of attractive, industrial trash facilities along the trail with a matching water fountain and the addition of more Bradford pear trees as funds allow.
The success of the event brings the hope for a repeat performance next year with more participation not only in the bicycle rides and walking events but also in the free health care screens provided.

Promoted by the Hospital and the Blood, Sweat and Gears Club, the event was sponsored by 25 local businesses including Williams Furniture; Sports, Orthopedics and Spine; Spivey Eye Clinic, McKenzie Banking Company, Carroll Bank and Trust, McKenzie Health Care, The Jackson Clinic of McKenzie, Union Planters Bank, Colorite Plastics, New Generations Furniture, McKenzie Medical Center, New Age Skin Care, Gleason Clinic, Save-a-Lot, E.W. James, Beltone, The McKenzie Banner, Nestaway, Dr. Luis Pagoaga, Bank of Gleason, Dr. James Padgett, Southern Scientific, SCS Convenience Store, Super D Drugs, CarQuest/Radio Shack, and Dr. H.L. Russell.

First in on the 10-mile ride - Miss Hollie Garland First in 35-milers: (1) Woody Keenan, (2) Greg Banic, (3) Tom Gee

Biking is just one activity the Romero family of Bruceton enjoy together. The family believes that remaining active and playing as children do is not only fun, it is scriptural, says Jaime, Sr., who was a coach of several team sports in Mexico. Pictured left to right are Romero family members 24-year-old Jaime, Jr., 22-year-old Juan, Jaime, Sr., mom Rosa, 19-year-old Jose and friend Krystal Allen, also of Bruceton. After Jaime, Sr. graduates from Bethel this month, he and Rosa hope to convince more adults to join them in sporting events like biking and softball.

Children were awarded gold medals on ribbons of red, white and blue for their participation in the bike and trike ride for kids. Pictured left to right are: Connor Gray of Jackson, Rachel Edlin, Rebecca Edlinand Jessica Smith of McKenzie, and Katie Mobley from Lexington. The kiddie ride in the hospital parking lot allowed the children to enjoy bicycling fun while waiting for family members involved in the longer rides.

Methodist Health Care Respiratory Therapist Judy Perry and Outpatient Registrar Nancy Crossett prepare for a 10-mile ride. Judy kept her smile even when chain problems forced her to quit at six miles. Nancy’s sons Jimmy and Danny Crossett, members of the “Blood, Sweat and Gears” Bike Club, rode in the 35-mile ride while great-grandson Connor Gray rode in the trike ride.

Dave Middleton, a member of the Harpeth Bike Club, traveled from Nashville for the event. Originally choosing bicycling for fitness, he has been riding in biking events for six years.

41-year old Lisa Carroll teamed up with her almost (May 29) eight-year old step-grandson Hunter Taylor in a tandem 10-mile ride. The pair hailed from Crockett County.|

Leading riders in the 40 and Under Men’s Category were: Third Place - McKenzie resident Chris Blount; First Place - Woody Keenan of Jackson; and Second Place - Greg Banic, also of Jackson.

Winners of the 41 and Over Men’s Category were: Second Place - McKenzie Physician Dr. Volker Winkler; First Place - Tom Gee, Administrator of the Henry County Medical Center in Paris; and Third Place - Paris Optometrist Dr. Gwyn Anderson.

Phone (731) 352-3323 or Fax (731) 352-3322
washburn@mckenziebanner.com