Monday, March 13, 2017

Two Bike Events Come to Marshall Co. in April

Hell of the South annual Bike Race event on April 1 begins 3rd year in Belfast, TN.
On behalf of Shake-n-Bake racing, the city of Lewisburg, the community of Belfast, and all of our sponsors, it’s my pleasure to welcome you to the 2017 Hell of the South road race. Our goal back in 2010 was to provide a unique racing experience in middle Tennessee, a race that had a bit of the feel of a spring classic like the tour of Flanders or Paris-Roubaix. The move to Lewisburg in 2015 introduced a different dynamic to our race. In addition to a bit more climbing we have some of the best scenery and best roads to ride a bike through anywhere in Tennessee. So come and enjoy your visit to Lewisburg and Marshall county and please visit and support our sponsors, interact with the local residents and show your appreciation to them for welcoming us to their home. Lastly, we want to thank all of our sponsors, without them there is no race. Shake and Bake Racing would especially like to thank our gracious hosts, Cary Whitesell and the City of Lewisburg. Their support can’t be overstated and is critical to the success of our race. When we lost our venue in 2015, the city of Lewisburg stepped up with unprecedented support in the form of volunteers, logistics, and of course race sponsorship. If you have a chance to meet any of the representatives from the city this weekend, please thank them for their dedication and support to allow the Hell of the South to happen. Also, please be courteous to all volunteers you see and/or interact with as they have dedicated a large part of their day for your success and enjoyment.
HOS Race Registration

Henry Horton State Park is proud to host The Horton 100, the annual springtime Bicycle Ride Across Tennessee (BRAT) event on April 22-23.

Riders will begin and end each day at Henry Horton State Park in Chapel Hill. With a mix of beginner and more challenging stretches, this ride will show the best of what Middle Tennessee has to offer from the prime vantage point of a bike seat. Participants can ride the full 100 miles in increments of 50 miles per day, or choose a new 25 mile per day option.
“Hundreds of riders come to Middle Tennessee from all over the country for this annual springtime ride,” said Brock Hill, Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Deputy Commissioner of Parks and Conservation. “Henry Horton State Park is an ideal place for riders to begin and end their journeys, with plenty of activities for participants and their families to enjoy throughout the weekend.”
In partnership with Bike Walk Tennessee, Henry Horton will be offering an additional feature this year for families – a youth bike clinic on Saturday, April 22. The clinic will be open to children of all ages and include lessons on rules of the road, bike safety and a ride of up to three miles. Youth participants will need to bring their own bike and helmet. More information and registration for the youth event can be found at http://tnstateparks.com/parks/event_details/henry-horton/#/?event=horton-100-youth-bike-clinic-ride-2017.
"Biking is such an important part of the life of our state here in Tennessee,” said Anthony Siracua, President of Bike Walk Tennessee. “We are proud to partner with TDEC and the Friends of Henry Horton Park to teach bicycle handling skills to the children of middle Tennessee. Teaching kids to bicycle at an early age is a great way to encourage bicycling as a life-long activity, and it allows us to show the youth how to operate their bicycles with awareness and poise.”
Registration includes two days of rides, two nights of camping (Friday and Saturday) and three meals. The registration fee per person is $125 for both days and $65 for one day until March 31. On April 1, the fee increases to $135 for two days and $70 for one day. Online registration will close on April 17. Riders can camp for free, stay in one of the park inn’s 68 rooms or reserve an RV campsite for an additional fee. 
The park is located on the shores of the historic and beautiful Duck River, one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. Park Rangers will offer interpretive programming, including crafts and games, for kids and families who are there for the weekend.
Most of the routes will be on two-lane highways. Riders are encouraged to wear appropriate safety gear, including reflective clothing and bicycle lights. Helmets are required to participate. Rest stations with refreshments will be available at various points along the ride. More details, including the routes for both days, can be viewed online athttp://tnstateparks.com/events/details/#/?event=2017-horton-100.

Thursday, March 2, 2017

Arbor Day Foundation Names Lewisburg Tree City USA


Lewisburg, TN was named a 2016 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management.
Lewisburg achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program's four requirements: a tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.
"Tree City USA communities see the impact an urban forest has in a community first hand," said Dan Lambe, President of the Arbor Day Foundation. "Additionally, recognition brings residents together and creates a sense of community pride, whether it's through volunteer engagement or public education."
Trees provide multiple benefits to a community when properly planted and maintained. They help to improve the visual appeal of a neighborhood, increase property values, reduce home cooling costs, remove air pollutants and provide wildlife habitat, among many other benefits.
More information on the program is available at arborday.org/TreeCityUSA 
About the Arbor Day Foundation: The Arbor Day Foundation is a million member nonprofit conservation and education organization with the mission to inspire people to plant, nmture, and celebrate trees. More information is available at arborday.org.