Possum Pedal Bike Ride Interview

The Possum Pedal bike ride takes you back in time when life was a little slower and everyone greeted you with a smile. This year the ride consists of six different routes to choose from all traveling throughout Young and Jack Counties.

I spoke with Lisa Lisa Kinkead, Manager at the Graham Chamber of Commerce, about the event.

As a cyclist, why join Possum Pedal?
Possum Pedal has some of the most scenic routes in Texas. The ride is fully supported and runs seamlessly. We strive to choose routes with varied scenery, some hills, and some flats, to challenge every skill level. The setting of our ride is on the Northern edge of the hill country and along the original Goodnight-Loving cattle drive trail. You can enjoy history, beautiful scenery, and great companionship throughout the ride. It also occurs in conjunction with the Food Truck Championship of Texas on America’s Largest Downtown Square.
How long has the event been around?
The Possum Pedal began as a race in the ’80s for serious competition. It has evolved into a relaxed tour with the focus being on everyday riders coming to enjoy a full day of activities. We encourage all our riders to take their time to enjoy the ride and let us take care of you by providing great roads, great rest stops, and the most amazing SAG support in the world while you are here. After the ride we also want you to sample the best food truck food and merchant boot event Young County holds each year on the Graham downtown square. In the evening we have a concert at the local rodeo arena. We hope you will plan to come early, stay late, and invite you to get to know Graham instead of just coming to ride and rushing home!
What was the motivation behind starting the event and who benefits from it?
The Chamber of Commerce hosts events to promote and encourage commerce in Graham. The Possum Pedal Bike Ride brings cyclists from all over the country to visit Graham, thus benefiting the local economy. This economic impact enhances the quality of life for residents, revenue for businesses, and makes Graham attractive to visitors.
How have they been able to utilize the funds in the past?
Funds generated by the Possum Pedal Bike Ride event help to offset operational expenses for the Graham Chamber of Commerce. In addition, funds are set aside to utilize for next year’s event, capital purchases, etc. We also like to treat the volunteers who make this event possible to something special once the event has concluded.
Logistically, can you give us an idea of how many volunteers, and the planning it takes to put on this event?
We have a committee of twelve volunteers that work diligently every year to plan the event. On the day of Possum Pedal, we will have 10 SAG drivers along with 10 rest stops that are all staffed by volunteers. Our event would not be possible without our amazing volunteer team. We literally began planning next year’s event at the conclusion of the Possum Pedal each year by looking at feedback from the riders and trying to develop ways to improve. We have changed routes at times based on how roads are being resurfaced during the year and in an attempt to make sure riders are not seeing the same area year after year. Our goal is to provide not only a bike ride but an experience you will want to come back to year after year.
What has been the most rewarding experience throughout the years hosting this event?
The most rewarding experience is seeing the returning riders year after year. We have people that travel in from out of town for our event and that is why we do this. We are excited to know that they want to come back to Graham year after year to ride in the Possum Pedal and visit our town and experience our little piece of paradise.
What is the average number of participants?
400
If you had to come up with a David Letterman style Top 10 about the race, what would it read like?
10. It’s a great excuse to get away from home and not do honey do’s for the day.
9. Police at the intersections stop traffic for you instead of stopping you for blocking traffic.
8. SAG drivers have free inner tubes and water if you have to stop on the side of the road.
7. Whiskey Myers is singing later tonight.
6. The weather is always beautiful, go ahead and sign up early!
5. There are no rude automobile drivers allowed on the course, only people who are kind and patient and will wave as they pass.
4. You will get a free t-shirt and a good bag
3. The rest stop volunteers never tell you “It’s all uphill from here”.
2. The Cannon shot at the start of the ride is AWESOME!
1. Food Truck food after you finish.