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The idea of a bike ride to benefit Rutherford Housing Partnership (RHP) gave Alan Herrick of Rutherfordton an excuse to ride more. The cycling bug had bit, and Herrick had begun training for some of the region's most strenuous rides.
As he rode the perimeter of the county - something like 158 miles over the course of two days- an idea began to form. What if we organized a 100-mile ride in Rutherford County? We certainly have beautiful scenery, rolling hills, and a growing cyclist community.
And he knew the perfect charity. His wife, Lori, had founded this group of women who were making a difference for RHP and Habitat for Humanity by roofing houses. "Truth be known," he said, "I'm proud to be a small part of what RHP and the Women Roofers have achieved and meant to our community."
Since 2009, the resulting ride, Gears & Gables, has raised more than $75,000 for the small nonprofit, which provides urgently needed repairs to the homes of qualified low-income homeowners. RHP provides materials; volunteers provide as much of the labor as possible.
Gears & Gables is once again part of the Hilltop Festival in Rutherfordton Saturday, May 4. Riders can choose from three routes - 24, 41 or 62 miles. Registration is $30 and includes a post-ride meal, T-shirt and rest stops and support along the routes. Those who don't want to ride but who want to support RHP can register as Ghost Riders for $30 and get lunch and a T-shirt too.
Herrick, the distance learning advisor for REaCH, describes the route as scenic, yet challenging, with climbs of 1,300 to 3,500 feet. Routes travel to Union Mills and Golden Valley, then back through Mount Vernon.
The ride has attracted loyal riders from the region. "The riders enjoy the rural roads which have limited traffic," Herrick said. "I think they enjoy the scenery, the food, the RHP folks, and the coordination of entire ride."
Riders need bikes that have been recently serviced and are in good working condition. RHP requests riders wear identification, such as Road ID bracelets, if available, and helmets at all times. RHP also requests that riders refrain from using ear buds or headphones while riding.
For more details, visit the RHP web site at www.RutherfordHousingPartnership.com or the Gears & Gables Cycling Event Facebook page. For questions about the ride, contact Herrick at vicaralxiv@gmail.com. To sponsor, volunteer or register to ride, call the RHP office at (828) 248-3431 or email info@RutherfordHousingPartnership.com.
RHP was organized in 1995 by a group of concerned citizens who recognized a growing need among low-income, elderly and disabled homeowners for urgent home repairs to alleviate threats to their health and safety. Statistics tell a sobering story of a low-wealth county in need of safe housing. Rutherford County is a large, rural county of about 66,000 where most recent Census data show that 19% of families live below the poverty level.
A total of 121 applicants are currently awaiting repair assistance.
