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The 23rd annual Cotton Patch Challenge takes place Sept. 9 and is organized by (from left) Kasey Smith, Carevide; Justin Rudd, Donaghe Buick GMC; and David Weiland and Tim Dooley, Rotary Club of Greenville. Courtesy
Bike rider sign-up open now
Summer Fun
GREENVILLE — The 23rd Annual Cotton Patch Challenge is excited to welcome back its thousands of riders the Hunt County event that is to benefit youth.
The annual cycling tour will again be hosted by the Rotary Club of Greenville and local health center, Carevide. The two organizations will share the proceeds equally to benefit the youth of Hunt County.
The Cotton Patch Challenge caters to beginner and expert cyclists — and everyone in between. Cyclists will enjoy a unique biking experience that features six routes from which to choose. From a family friendly 12-mile course to the expert 74-mile trek, eight rest stops will provide riders ample fluids, fruit, music, refreshing shade and unique displays from communities around Hunt County.
For advanced and expert riders, the 61-mile and 74-mile routes travel along some of Hunt County’s smoothest and widest thoroughfares, venturing along Highway 69 and featuring opportunities to conquer one of the area’s most popular elevations, Bowman’s Mountain, and crossing the iconic Two-Mile Bridge over historic Lake Tawakoni.
Additionally, the Cotton Patch Challenge will provide two off-road gravel rides as part of the event. For the second year in a row, the G3: Greenville Gravel Grinder ride will offer 50k and 100k off-road tours of north Greenville and northern Hunt County. Gravel riding is quickly growing in popularity across the country.
The Greenville noon Rotary Club has partnered with the Cotton Patch Challenge bike ride since its inception over two decades ago as the brainchild of the Greenville Area Social Pedalists (GASP) biking club.
“The Rotary Club of Greenville has a long history of supporting area youth through local programs and sponsorships, and we’re particularly proud of our work providing numerous scholarships to the youth of Hunt County,” said Katy Ridge, current Rotary Club president. “The Cotton Patch Challenge plays a major role in our ability to enrich the lives of future generations through higher education.”
Carevide is a local non-profit health center comprised of Medical, Dental, Pediatric and Women’s Health locations. Their primary mission is to improve the health and lives of those they serve with a commitment to patient-centered excellence in all that they do. “We’re excited to once again work alongside the Rotary Club of Greenville to present this one-of-a-kind event,” stated Michelle Carter, CEO of Carevide. “Over the years, the Cotton Patch Challenge event has showcased the best of Hunt County while raising hundreds of thousands of dollars, benefiting area youth. As an organization rooted in communities, this event is a perfect channel for us to promote healthy, invigorating lifestyles throughout the Hunt County service area.”
The first 800 riders to sign up for this event will receive a performance shirt. Registration is $35 per entry.
Pre- and post-ride events will be held at Landon Winery, 2508 Lee St. On-site registration will be held 6:30-8 a.m. on the covered patio. All tours will begin at 8 a.m. from the Hunt County courthouse square at 2507 Lee. St.
The 23rd Annual Cotton Patch Challenge takes place on Saturday, Sept. 21 with an 8 a.m. start in downtown Greenville. Visit www.CottonPatchChallenge.com for event routes, highlights, registration and more information. The event can also be followed on social media at Facebook.com/CottonPatchChallenge.