Ride Without Limits, a charity cycling event that benefits Easter Seals United Cerebral Palsy in North Carolina and Virginia, is scheduled to roll through Washington and portions of Beaufort County beginning next fall, according to a news release distributed by the Washington Tourism Development Authority.
Held yearly in North Carolina and Tampa, Fla., the two-day event for cyclists of all skill levels will cover various distances — from 35 to 112 miles a day — in northeastern Beaufort County. The routes are fully supported with rest stations and medical assistance along the way.
After hosting Cycle North Carolina this past spring, Washington has developed a first-rate reputation along the cycling circuit, according to Lynn Lewis, the city’s tourism-development director.
“Washington is now on the radar because of our previous experience with cycling events,” Lewis said. “It’s great to be able to plan this far in advance. We have a lot of experience based on Cycle North Carolina that we will be able to use as we plan for this event.”
“The rural, flat roads in and around Washington and the beautiful downtown waterfront were the initial attractors for our event,” Ride Without Limits manager Patrick Curran said in the news release. “Once we arrived and saw the enthusiasm for cycling, we knew this was the place.”
Participants, riding as teams or individuals, are encouraged to raise $250 each. All proceeds directly benefit Easter Seals UCP North Carolina and Virginia, supporting programs and services in the community.
“This event, while similar to CNC, is different in that it is a fundraising event that the participants are passionate about the cause and it is a very inspirational and motivational type of weekend,” Lewis said.
Scheduled for the first weekend of October 2013, Lewis anticipates Ride Without Limits will be launching Disability Awareness month in Washington for years to come.
“Cycling events, like Ride Without Limits, offer great exposure for Washington. We are excited to have an event like this in Washington for the long run,” Lewis said.
“We anticipate that Washington will be the home for this event for at least the next five years. The plans are that it will be logistically … they are looking for a community where this can grow.”
For more information, visit www.ridewithoutlimits.org.