It started as a friendly collaboration between Tom Riechmann and me, when Tom was editor of the Carbondale Times, and he rode his bicycle to the Thomas Publishing office, across the street from my house, every day. We cooked it up together, before learning it was a national event. Mayor Brad Cole was quick to sponsor the idea, now in its 5th year. The first one was in October, successive ones have been in May.
The first event was held at City Hall. After the second year, the lunch was moved to Town Square Pavilion, but the theme remains the same. Lunch for everyone, a drawing for free bicycle stuff, and trophies to the individuals and businesses who ride farthest, or have the most people riding from a group. Past winners include American Resource Group and the SIUC Microbiology Dept. Past individual distance riding winners include Kyle Harfst and Stace England.
This year's event will take place
Thursday, May 17,
Noon - 1 p.m.
Town Square Pavilion
with lunch and trophies presented by Mayor Cole.
More details will be posted here as they become available.
