OWEGO, NY – This August 3rd, the Tioga County Tourism Office hosted the 11th Annual Bike Tioga, an event designed to promote healthy living while displaying the county’s natural beauty and local businesses. Bike Tioga is not a race; in fact, riders were encouraged to stop along the way and take their time. Picnic lunches and local farms have been popular stops in the past, and the event has always emphasized a relaxed, fun environment.
This year’s rides were 25, 40, 63, and 104 miles with various elevations through flat and hilly countryside. For example, the longest route, “Cornell Farms Ride,” circled up to the Cornell Plantations and Farms on Daisy Hollow Road and returned via Irish Settlement Road. After cycling 104 miles, participants received an official Tioga Tourism certificate commemorating their physical fitness achievement.
“The event attracted many visitors to the area,” says Emily VanScoy, the Americorps service member who coordinated the event with Tioga Tourism. “Out of 115 participants, 79 cyclists were from outside Tioga County and 14 were out of state.” Cyclists commented on the natural beauty of the county, which was made even better by the cooperative weather. Beautiful clear skies with just the right amount of wind—enough to keep cyclists cool, but not enough to make the ride more difficult—gave the whole day an exciting air. The participants also took advantage of the Body Lab massage therapists who were on-site. The free 10-minute massages were an especially big hit with the 104-mile riders!
Photos of the event will be distributed on the Visit Tioga Facebook page and on the Bike Tioga website at www.biketioga.com.
This event was made possible through contributions from the following local sponsors:
Berry Bear
Calaboose Grille
Gary J. Williams & Raymond Mint, OD PC
Hollenbeck Shursave
Ice Cream Works
John Barleycorn
Katie’s Kreations
Lounsbury Allstate Insurance
Mario’s Pizza
Martin Plumbing & Heating
Price Chopper
Scott Smith & Son
Southern Tier Bicycle Club Inc.
Southern Tier Recycling
Tioga State Bank
Visions Federal Credit Union
For more information, please contact:
Tioga County Tourism Visitor’s Center
80 North Ave
Owego, NY 13287
1 (800) 671 – 7772
