On June 1 at 8:15am, the eighth edition of the Safe Harbor Cycle Tour will roll out from the Civic Center in Iva, SC. It has become a yearly tradition for many cyclists throughout the Upstate and beyond. Crowds have grown each year and, though technically it’s a tour where folks are encouraged to come enjoy a ride through our scenic countryside, this ride has also attracted a wide range of serious cyclists and multi-sport athletes. It is a fun, fast and interesting course. Above all else, the Cycle Tour is for a very worthy cause.
The ride benefits Safe Harbor, a nonprofit organization serving victims of domestic violence and their children in Anderson, Greenville, Pickens, and Oconee counties. Safe Harbor provides shelter, counseling, advocacy, and support services for victims of domestic violence and their children, and domestic violence prevention and education for the Upstate community.
The Cycle Tour starts in Iva and then rolls into northern Abbeville County through hills that form the banks of the Savannah River, Lake Russell and Lake Secession. Then the course heads back into southern Anderson County where the terrain levels. This is Mennonite country and the roadsides are dotted with picturesque farms and country homes. The last ten miles start to roll again. There’s even one hill about seven miles from the finish that borders on being a genuine climb.
After the Cycle Tour, lunch awaits at the Iva Civic Center.
Riders can choose between three courses this year – 25-miles, 42-miles, or 65-miles (metric-century course). The $40 registration fee includes a t-shirt, lunch, snacks, SAG, and course map. Or, register for $110 for an event jersey as well. All proceeds from this event will benefit Safe Harbor. Register online at www.safeharborcycletour.org.
Come see why this ride was rated the best in the area. It’s the cause. It’s the course. It’s a great time!
