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Palmetto Cycling Coalition E-newsletter                          May 2011
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In This Issue
Aiken
Anderson
Charleston
Columbia
Greenville
Hilton Head
Rock Hill
Sullivan's Island
Summerville
Spartanburg
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Wondering what is going on this weekend in the SC bike community? Check out our calendar for events and more.

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2011 proclamation 

Its May, and that means bicycle month in South Carolina. This month's newsletter is dedicated to all of the fantastic events that are happening throughout the state. Thanks to all of the dedicated groups, clubs, shops, and individuals who are making Bike Month 2011 the best in South Carolina.

 

Also, visit our online calendar for the most up-to-date info on these events happening all month long.

 

If we left off an event, or forgot to mention something happening in your area, we're very sorry and please let us know

 

As always, safe cycling!

 

--Your friends at the Palmetto Cycling Coalition

Towns & Cities 

Aiken 

The annual Aiken to Ride Century, hosted by the Aiken Bicycle Club, is taking place on May 1, with proceeds benefitting the Palmetto Cycling Coalition and Helping Hands of Aiken. Event includes a century, metric century, 1/2 metric and 25 mile loop rides along the beautiful rolling hills of Aiken's horse country. To register, visit their Active.com site.

Anderson

Ride your bike to the Courthouse Square for the weekly Block Parties every Thursday in May and park your bike securely with the free Bike Valet. Additionally, cyclists will receive raffle tickets for every week they use the valet; the prize drawing will take place on May 26.

Wednesday, May 18, 6:30pm: Ride of Silence
Ingles (1900 North Main Street)
The Anderson ride will take cyclists to Anderson University for a brief memorial service in the AU Chapel for all those who have been killed or injured on the roads.

Friday, May 20, 7am: Ride with the Mayor and County Administrator
Anderson County Library (300 North McDuffie Street)
Join the Mayor and Anderson County Administrator for a morning ride to celebrate National Bike to Work Day. No pre-registration is required for this free ride, but all participants must wear a helmet and sign a waiver.

Columbia

Stay tuned to BikeColumbia Task Force for more information on Bike Month events in the capitol city closer to the events! Riders in all BikeColumbia events are required to wear a helmet and use appropriate lights or reflectors.
 
May 3: Mayoral Proclamation, City Council Chambers (1747 Laurel St, 3rd FL), 6pm
May 18: Ride of Silence, details to be announced.
May 20: Bike-to-Work Day. Be on the lookout for possible breakfast snacks!

Greenville 

Bike Month is always a big affair in Greenville, and the calender is packed with great events this year! The month finishes up on Memorial Weekend with the US Pro Road and Time Trial Championship races, but don't forget about the bike valet, fun rides and educational opportunities too! For more details, visit Bikeville to check out the calendar!

May 3: ICAR Family Fun Ride, Whole Foods parking lot on Woodruff Road, 6pm
May 7: Farmers Market Free Bike Valet Parking, Downtown Greenville on Main Street
May 15: Drive Me to Wellness & Greenville Drive Bike Valet, Greenville Drive Stadium at Fluor Field
May 16: Commuter Training Course, TTR Bikes, 6:30pm
May 18: Ride of Silence, City Hall on Main Street, 7pm
May 18: Moonlight Movie Bike Valet, Peace Center Amphitheater, 7:30pm
May 20: National Bike to Work Day Bike Shop Rest Stops, 7am
May 21: Mountain Bike Skills Clinic, Cleveland Park Field, 11am
May 27: Critical Cruise Community Bike Ride, West Washington Parking Deck at the Greenlink Transfer Center, 5:30pm
May 28: USA Pro Time Trial Championships & Free Bike Valet, 10am, Community bike ride starts at the Greenville zoo
May 30: USA Pro Road Race Championships & Free Bike Valet, Expo on Main Street, 10am

Don't miss the Bicycle Greenville Photo Contest, running until June 5. The contest will showcase what makes Greenville a Bicycle Friendly Community and is free and open to all!

Hilton Head  

Hilton Head Island is gearing up for Bike Month in a big way to celebrate their recent designation as South Carolina's first Silver-level Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists! Don't miss  the chance to celebrate both this accomplishment and Bike Month! Check out Kickin' Asphalt's calendar for more information on the rides, and stay tuned for more information about the BFC award.

May 2: Bicycle Friendly Community Award Notification by the League of American Bicyclists
May 3: Bicycle Friendly Awards Ceremony; Hilton Head Island Bike Month Proclamation; Beaufort Memorial Classic, 5pm
May 7: Pathways Connect Century Charity Bike Ride, 8am
May 14: Kickin' Asphalt Bicycle Club ride to kick off National Bike to Work Week, 9am
May 18: Ride of Silence, 6:30pm
May 20: Ride to Work or Play Day. Local bike shops will be providing coffee & refreshments from 7-10am.
May 21: Spirit & Spokes Boat/Bike Ride, 8am

Rock Hill  

Saturday May 7, 2-3pm: Kids Bike Safety Rodeo

City Hall Parking Lot (155 Johnston Street)
This family friendly event offers safety tips for riding on the road and hand signaling. Participants can also practice cycling techniques with guidance. Bring your bike & helmet to participate. Then stay to join in the Kids Old Town Ride at 3pm (see below). Helmets will be available for those who need them, while supplies last.

Saturday May 7, 3pm: 2nd Annual Mayor's Ride & Kids Old Town Ride
City Hall Parking Lot (155 Johnston Street)
Join Mayor Echols in a 3 - 5 mile ride around Old Town and the Winthrop University Area. All ages are welcome with appropriate parental supervision. Kids will start the Mayor's Ride and then detour for their own kid-friendly loop in Old Town.


Wednesday May 18, 7pm
: Ride of Silence

Wachovia Parking Lot on Main Street

Join cyclists worldwide in honor of those who have been injured or killed while cycling on public roadways.  The Rock Hill event will be a 10 - 12 mile ride led by the Rock Hill Bicycle Club.

 

Finally, in partnership with Bike Rock Hill, Winthrop University will be unveiling their bike rack project at various locations downtown. These racks are made of re-purposed bike parts by Winthrop students and will be functional and permanent bike parking locations throughout downtown! 

 

For more information on this and much more, check out Bike Rock Hill's website! Questions about these events can be directed to (803) 329-5632 or [email protected].

Sullivan's Island   

Sullivan's Island is planning a bike to work ride and a family-friendly scavenger hunt ride. The Mayor is also signing a bike month proclamation. For more information on these events, contact the Sullivan's Island Bike Committee

Summerville    

On April 22, Mayor Berlin G. Myers proclaimed May 2011 Bike Month, and there are many great events lined up to celebrate all forms of bicycling in Summerville this month!

Tuesday, May 10, 6pm: Vintage Bike Ride
Accent on Wine (132 South Main Street)
Riders are encouraged to bring out their vintage bicycles and enjoy a leisurely ride through the city. Don't worry, modern bikes are welcome, too! The ride will end with vintage wine, meat and cheese provided by Accent on Wine. Bring your helmet and a bike lock!

Saturday, May 14: Sawmill Branch Trail Day
Hit the trails to celebrate Bike Month and pick up some bike safety information at the trail side table.

Saturday & Sunday, May 14 & 15: Sculpture in the South
Art lovers can enjoy this public sculpture tour and sculpture show from their bicycles by taking a self-guided tour around Summerville to find all the town's sculptures. Visit www.sculptureinthesouth.com for a map and more information.

Wednesday, May 18, 7pm: Ride of Silence
The Summerville ride departs from the Publix parking lot on Trolley Road. Cyclists will have a police escort and use bike lanes on the six mile ride.

Thursday, May 19, 5pm: May's Third Thursday
Ride your bike to enjoy food, music, art and a talent show in Downtown Summerville. Bike racks will be located near the parking garage. Be sure to visit Miles Gallery on Magnolia St, owned by cyclists Tim and Lori Hamilton.

Sumter

As a part of Bike Month, Sumter County Active Lifestyles is creating an online survey for bicyclists and those that are prospective cyclists. All Sumter County residents will be encouraged to fill out the survey--it will aid the community organization to better serve the needs of all. Stay tuned to our blog or facebook page when this survey is live.

Spartanburg  

Spartanburg has planned a month full of exciting events this year! Visit the Bike Town website for more details!

May 4-6: Bike to School Days
May 6: Spartanburg Regional Classic, 3:30pm
May 9: Yoga for Bicyclists, Converse College, 6pm
May 14: Hub City Farmers Market opening day bike ride
May 15: Assault on Morgan Square Kid's Ride, 2pm
May 16: Assaults on Mt. Mitchell and Marion
May 18: Ride of Silence
May 19: Commuting by Bicycle Workshop, Spartanburg Library Headquarters, 5:30pm
May 20: Pedal with Your Politician, downtown Spartanburg
May 26: Yoga for Bicyclists, YOGAlicious, 7:30pm
May 27: Bike Month Community Bike Ride 5:30pm
Industry Advocates 

Andy Jordans Lock to Lock Bicycle Ride  

Photo courtesy of Andy Jordans,  

taken at the 2010 Lock to Lock Ride.

 Sunday, May 15 is the second annual bike ride along the historic Augusta canal, hosted by Andy JordansBicycle Warehouse in Augusta, GA. Proceeds benefit two wonderful bicycle advocacy organizations in the community, Wheel Movement and SORBA-CSRA.

Ride 18.5 or 37 miles along the scenic Historic Augusta Canal Area on hard packed dirt and asphalt roadswith no hills.  It's the perfect ride for all of your family and friends!  The ride starts at the Savannah Rapids Pavilion @ 2:30pm.Sign up now and join the fun! For more information, visit the event site.

Hawley, LLC 

The Hawley Company is getting into the spirit of Bike Month by inviting everyone to join them in their 3rd Annual Bike to Work Rally on Friday, May 20 at 8:30am. The 3.5 mile ride will start at the Lexington Medical Center (811 West Main Street) and will end at Hawley (1181 South Lake Drive). After the ride, there will be fresh and healthy breakfast foods and drinks to enjoy!
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The Coalition needs the support of cyclists like you to continue our efforts of making SC more bicycle friendly.  We are the voice for cyclists across South Carolina.  Please support us with your tax-deductible donation today. 

Thank you for your support!