BY KRISTY H. TERRY
Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce
Visitors from all over the United States, and even a few from Canada, were in Calhoun County this weekend as they participated in Bike Florida’s “Caverns to Coast” spring tour.
More than 600 cyclists called Blountstown Middle School “home” for the first few days of the event.
Registration started Friday evening as cyclists arrived, picked up registration packets, and began to explore the area. Riding tours kicked off Saturday morning as they traveled to Torreya Park in Liberty County with options for a 37- or 61-mile route. Sunday they rode in the Altha and Clarksville areas, traveling by the Chipola River, with options for a 44- or 70-mile route. Monday morning they headed to Jackson County where they would camp for two nights, before traveling to Port St. Joe to stay for the remainder of the tour. Cyclists will ride back to Blountstown Friday morning to pick up their vehicles.
Saturday evening, both visitors and locals enjoyed a free concert by Easy Company Band and a Main Street Moonlight Market in Centennial Park. Food and craft vendors set up to offer local goods for sale. Once the rain cleared, coordinators were happy to see more than 300 people at the event. Guests shopped, ate, and enjoyed live entertainment at the downtown event.
Sunday evening in the BMS auditorium, Blountstown-native Jim McClellan shared tales of adventure and shenanigans from his days in Calhoun County. His recently released book, “Life Along the Apalachicola River,” is a collection of short stories and life lessons born on the banks of the Big River. McClellan spoke to a full house, and almost completely sold out of books on hand after the event.
During their stay, cyclists also visited the Panhandle Pioneer Settlement, the M&B Depot Museum, and explored the Blountstown Greenway bike path.
Local school, community, and civic groups volunteered to assist with rest stops throughout the course. Bike Florida made a donation to groups in appreciation for their efforts. In addition, some groups set up food booths on the BMS campus with everything from breakfast biscuits to pancakes and sausage. Gateway Baptist Church also hosted a dessert social Sunday evening, following McClellan’s presentation.
Visitors and Bike Florida staff were very complimentary of Calhoun County, and commended the community for being welcoming and helpful during their stay.
The Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce handled coordination of all local events and details. The success of the event would not have been possible without the cooperation of the City of Blountstown, Blountstown Middle School with the support of the Calhoun County School Board, Blountstown Police Department, Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office, Liberty County Sheriff’s Office, Blountstown Main Street, Centennial Bank, Preble-Rish Engineering, local restaurants, retailers, and businesses. A special thanks also goes to drivers who were patient and “shared the road” with cyclists over the weekend.
Bike Florida’s spring tour rotates each year between south, central, and north Florida. The Chamber of Commerce looks forward to a continued partnership with Bike Florida, and hopes to host future events.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Photos from the weekend can be found at www.facebook.com/CalhounChamber or www.calhounco.org.
