Friday, June 21, 2024
The Gatesville Exchange Club held its 28th annual 100K Fire Ant Tour on Saturday, June 8, at the Gatesville Civic Center.
There was a total of 213 pre-registered cyclists, with 19 on-site registrations. There were riders from all over Texas with some being from Dallas, Fort Worth, Longview, Houston, and San Antonio.
According to Joyce Talbott, the Gatesville Lions Club partnered with the Gatesville Exchange Club, and again played a vital role in this year’s tour.
The routes were comprised of 11 miles, 32 miles, 50 miles, and a 100K and took place on paved county roads. The riders left the Civic Center making their way to Crawford High School and back to the Civic Center.
SAG (Support and Gear) stations were placed at 10-mile intervals along all routes while SAG wagons traveled throughout the tour to assist when needed. Members from both clubs volunteered at Sag Station #3, strategically located at the intersection of Highways 939 and 185. These stations are essential rest stops for cyclists, providing shaded canopies, ice water, Gatorade, pickle juice, oranges, bananas, cookies, and porta-potties.
"Adding a touch of fun to the event, the tour’s mascot, The Fire Ant, made a special appearance, delighting both participants and volunteers," Talbott said.
Each participant and volunteer were honored with a 2024 Fire Ant Tour medal. SWAG bags were given to the participants, with each bag containing a free pass to the local fitness center or pool to gain access to a hot shower.
All proceeds from the event are to benefit local scholarships for Gatesville High School seniors and various community-service projects.
"Gatesville Exchange and Lions Club encourages the community to visit and explore membership opportunities for both clubs," Talbott added. "The Lions Club meets every Wednesday at noon, and the Exchange Club meets every Thursday for breakfast, both being held at Junction on Route 36 Restaurant."
