Tour de Greene

By Alex Carrier Special Correspondent
Published: May 29, 2008

Simply put, Saturday was a perfect day for the first annual Tour de Greene.  The event, hosted by Spring Hill Baptist Church, was an expansion of last year’s successful 5K Fun Run/Walk.  This year’s event included 3 bike rides, a competitive run, a fun run/walk and a kid’s dash. 
“I am still up in the clouds,” said event organizer Marianne Shepard. “The weather cooperated; we had very few glitches and I am so thankful for the support and help we received.”
The tour raised funds for two Greene County groups:  The Greene Education Foundation (GEF) and the Greene Chapter of Habitat for Humanity.  Checks for $1,700 each were presented to representatives of the groups at Dover Foxcroft Farm where the non-cycling events were held. 
Three different rides took cyclists on a scenic tour of Greene in 20-mile, 40-mile and 60-mile rides.  The 60K cyclists got treated to a lunch stop at William Monroe High School where they were serenaded by the Warmed Over Boys duo, including GEF vice president Tom Evans.
Both Cedar Grove Church and Swift Run Church set up and stocked their own rest stops along the routes. Cyclists were able to pause for free fruit, sandwiches, snacks, energy drinks, water and restroom breaks. The church members at the stops also served up a good portion of smiles and encouragement for riders who discovered Greene’s scenic byways could be both beautiful and challenging.
Many of the 140 plus cyclists who entered Tour de Greene will be competing in the 150K MS Tour de Vine in two weeks. 
“I’ve been told that if you can do 45 miles in Greene it will prepare you for 75 miles in the Tour de Vine,” remarked Aaron Marks, one of the team captains in the upcoming event.
Cyclists with Tour de Vine helped spread the word about the Greene event.  Juan Ascoli and Jesse Huddleston prepared the 3 different routes for the riders. 
The run/walk events occurred at Dover Foxcroft Farm. More than 50 participants competed in the run while a large number of adults, children and even families took th0e more route of the fun run/walk.  At any given time during the morning, one or more of six different events were underway. 
Whether they were preparing themselves for cycling, running challenges or just enjoying the perfect day, many of the competitors, participants and volunteers said they would be back next year. 
The opportunity to support the community and showcase Greene as a destination for visitors was not lost on Pauline Hovey of the Greene Education Foundation.
“The Foundation is grateful to Spring Hill Baptist Church and the organizers and volunteers of this event for their commitment to the county and the foundation,” said Hovey.  “It has been a real pleasure to see the outpouring of support and genuine interest in the foundation’s mission.  This was a great opportunity to showcase Greene and at the same time support the community.”
Greene’s Habitat for Humanity supported Saturday’s event with more than 20 volunteers, said Greene Habitat Steering Committee Chairman Jonathan Hensley.
“Spring Hill Baptist is one of the most energetic and prolific churches in this area and have been a valuable partner for Greene Habitat for many years now,” said Hensley. “We’re thrilled to be a part of this event which should become an annual occurrence for both of us.”