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The North Carolina Stroke Association hosted its first
annual “Cycle for Life…Spokes Against Stroke” bike tour on Saturday, October 16,
2004 at the Hanover Park Vineyard, Yadkinville, North Carolina.
Volunteers from Forsyth Medical Center, Wake Forest University Baptist Medical
Center, the North Carolina Stroke Association Board of Directors, Paceline
Bicycles, Mock Orange Bikes of Mocksville, Piedmont Flyers, the Carolina
Cannonballs blue grass band, and other individuals contributed their time to the
event.
Corporate sponsors were Forsyth Medical Center, Pitt County Memorial Hospital,
Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center Neurosciences, Alpha Graphics,
Start With Your Heart, Northwestern Mutual Financial Network-J. Carlton Deaton,
CLU, ChFC, Wachovia, BB&T, Creative Designs, Kelly Office Solutions, Piedmont
Flyers, Mock Orange Bikes of Mocksville, and Branscomb Produce. Paceline
Bicycles was the tour’s premier sponsor.
The bike tour had three different venues for cyclists: 65 miles, 40 miles, and
25 miles. A total of 134 cyclists participated in the bike tour that wove
through rolling farm land, country side and the foothills of four counties,
Yadkin, Davie, Iredell and Wilkes. The trees were at their peak in color, the
weather was crisp and cool, and the sky was deep autumn blue. Many commented on
the beauty of the courses and the home made cookies and cakes at the rest stops
that were prepared by our volunteers. For the avid cyclists, the 65 mile course
offered some challenges with hills and what seemed to be a constant head wind.
Hanover Park Vineyard provided a one-mile walking path around the vineyard for
attendees who wanted to walk instead of cycle. Many non-biking participants also
attended the event to support the riders and to enjoy the day. The total number
of bike tour attendees was 167.
Bill Smith, who survived a severe stroke 10 years ago, was the North Carolina
Stroke Association’s poster survivor. Bill completed the 25 mile tour. He is
pictured beside his recumbent bike.
Hot stews, homemade sandwiches and desserts, and wine-tasting were provided for
cyclists, walkers, and observers. The North Carolina Stroke Association raised
in excess of $17,500. The proceeds assist the association in providing community
stroke prevention and post-stroke services.
The North Carolina Stroke Association is very thankful for its volunteers,
corporate sponsors, Hanover Park Vineyard, attendees, and cyclists who helped
ensure a successful event.
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