On what began as a "frosty" morn, all across Hopkins County, by 9:00 a.m. and the starting of the 2006 Pilot Club Bike Ride, the temperatures had risen and weather was perfect for the over 397 entrants who signed-up to ride the route. Entrants chose to ride 12, 22, 44, or a long 69 mile route, in Saturday's activities.

Both local residents, like Keith Shurtleff (in the Aggie suit), and those from all across Texas, began
the early morning ride on Saturday morning, with hopes of completing the 69 mile ride.

 

"We're excited with so many entries and so many of them being former participants in our ride," expressed Pilot Club Member and one of the ride organizers, Debra Evans. "The bike riders continue to praise our routes and the hospitality given in Sulphur Springs."

Left, bike riders in the 2006 event sign-up at the pavillion in front of the Civic Center and get prepared for the race,
while right, Glenda Bassham and Charlotte Baxter distribute packets to each entrant.

Most entrants in Saturday's event brought friends or family members with them to Sulphur Springs, left, while on
the right, Monica Littlefield, Pilot Club member, aids participants in filling their water bottles before the race.

 

"This is a fundraising activity for the Pilot Club, but it is also an economic boost to Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County," added another Pilot Club member. "When you figure that each participant brings with them friends and family, and we had over 395 participants in the ride, that's alot of people!"

The Pilot Club uses the proceeds from their Annual Bike Ride to support worthwhile projects that help those with brain-related injuries, and provide the annual Care Giver of the Year Award, at the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce Banquet.

This rider, from the Dallas Metroplex Area, set an early leading pace
and hoped to complete the 69 mile ride, through scenic rural Hopkins County.

Those who chose the long, 69 mile route were going to the Miller Grove area of Hopkins County and would be returning to the Hopkins County Civic Center area to finish the ride. Others, choosing shorter distances, would leave the ride and return to the Civic Center area, also.

As the ride began on Saturday morning, the riders began setting their own paces and "stringing" along
the designated route, through Hopkins County.

"We're excited with the success of this year's event," denoted Pilot Club member, Pansy Bell. "We'll even plan for a larger crowd next year, as the popularity of our event seems to grow each year!"

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