By Jennifer Jones
With events for riders of any experience, novice, to seasoned, what could make Peach Pedal Ride better? Oh, that’s right… PEACHES!
Speaking with ride coordinator, Susan Sodek, of United Way Parker County, she could not talk enough about the Parker County peaches! This event is unique in the fact that is was added many years to an already great event, the Peach Festival in Parker County. One bonus to the beautiful scenery on the ride is the opportunity to enjoy plump, juicy peaches at the finish line.
This charitable ride has helped many throughout the years and they are excited to be hosted this year by United Way of Parker County.
Here’s a WheelBrothers exclusive for you. If you have rode the Peach Pedal for years, as many have, be ready for a little unexpected route. Due to the heavy rains affecting North Texas this spring the route with have to be altered slightly.
This is a favorite ride for the WheelBrothers and we hope to see you all there.
The Wheelbrothers in action 2013 (The 4 Horsemen with the Godfather)
As a cyclist, why join Peach Pedal?
PEACHES!!! You have to come for the fresh peaches and the free entry to the Peach Festival. Parker County also has great terrain…hills, straightaways, beautiful scenery. The ride has a little for everyone. We have four routes to choose from 8 miles to a 100k. No matter your cycling level you can come out and participate.
How long has the event been around?
Peach Pedal is in it’s 28th year.
What was the motivation behind starting the event and who benefits from it?
Peach Pedal coincides with the annual Peach Festival hosted by the Weatherford Chamber of Commerce. Because Parker County has always had a strong cycling community, it added another element to the festivities of the day. This year United Way of Parker County will benefit from the ride. UWPC partners with 18 Parker County programs and the money raised from the ride will help with those programs. Those programs are: The Center of Hope, CASA, Manna, Freedom House, Stars and Strides, Cancer Care Services, Parker County Committee on Aging, Lena Pope Home, Cross Roads, CPS, TNS – Utilities and WLL Challenger Division.
How have they been able to utilize the funds in the past?
For the past 12 years, the Weatherford College Foundation hosted the event and proceeds benefited scholarships at Weatherford College. This is the first year for United Way to host the event.
Logistically, can you give us an idea of how many volunteers, and the planning it takes to put on this event?
The great thing about Peach Pedal is that is brings the community together. Logistically, we work very close with the City of Weatherford, our County Commissioners, Sheriffs Deputies, the Weatherford Independent School District and the Weatherford Chamber to ensure the cyclists have an enjoyable and safe ride. I would say over 200 volunteers come out to work rest stops and registration. Several volunteer groups have been working this event for many years. It is exciting to see different churches, non-profits and civic groups work together to be ambassadors for our beautiful county.
What has been the most rewarding experience throughout the years hosting this event?
This is my first year to host Peach Pedal. I have been a volunteer for several years. It is a great ride and I look forward to excitement of the day.
What is the average number of participants?
Peach Pedal has been trending at about 2,200 cyclists.
Last year there seemed to have been an issue with debris and tacks in the road. Will there be a pre ride check of the roads to check for hazards?
Brent the previous ride host talked to me about what happened last year. I was also at the ride and spoke with some of the cyclists. Both the Sheriff’s Deputies, and Weatherford City police are aware of the issues. Our plan is to do a pre-ride sweep. We want our cyclists to have a safe and enjoyable ride experience.
If you had to come up with a David Letterman style Top 10 about the race, what would it read like?
This is a great question!! I am not sure if I can give you 10 questions since this is my first year but I can tell you the number one questions is…Peaches, where can I get Parker County peaches?
Thanks Susan for this exclusive interview.
So there it is. The time is NOW to get registered for the Peach Pedal Ride. While you’re there have a peach for us!
