Riding for a reason: Gears & Gables helps RHP

The 8th Annual Gears & Gables event, which raises funds for Rutherford Housing Partnership, will be held Saturday, May 2, beginning at 8 a.m. The event features several distances for riders to participate.

What if just by riding a bicycle on a scenic route meant you provided roofing nails to replace the roof of someone in need? 

The 8th Annual Gears & Gables event, set for Saturday, May 2, does just that. An annual fundraiser for Rutherford Housing Partnership, the bicycle ride helps to provide home repairs for low income homeowners. The event is the organization’s second largest fundraiser, said Linda Tribou, resource development associate for RHP. 

The event features a route with markers that denote three different distances - 33.2 miles, 62.1 miles or 100.3 miles. Most riders, said Alan Herrick, a participant and member of Rutherford Outdoor Coalition, ride for the 30-mile ride, but more and more riders are starting to go for longer distances. 

“Two-thirds of the people who take part come from outside of Rutherford County,” Herrick said. “We have folks from Raleigh, Asheville and Knoxville.” 

For those who want to participate from the comfort of home may do so, Tribou said. 

“This year you can register as a ghost rider. You can stay home in your PJs and then come over for the after ride meal,” Tribou said. 

You can also show your support by purchasing raffle tickets for gift baskets. Tickets may be purchased in advance by calling RHP at 828-248-3431 or during MayFestival, also on May 2. 

“This event helps a lot of people in high need of home repairs,” Tribou said. “With the proceeds we’ve raised before, as many as four roofs can be completed.” 

Registration for the ride is $30, and may be completed online at active.com by searching for Gears & Gables.