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CYCLING AROUND FAYETTEVILLE
by Yvonne McCowen, photos by Emil Knodell
Fayetteville enjoys being known as the most cycling friendly town in Texas. It all started in the 1990s when Fayetteville was celebrating the MS150 ride coming through town. Although Fayetteville’s love of cycling may have begun with a small few cheering, it has grown over the years to now include parties, music, bell ringing, cookie stops, and best of all, large crowds cheering on the riders who are raising money for people with multiple sclerosis.
Fayetteville is the only town to welcome the riders of the MS150 in this way. The MS Lone Star Chapter, which sponsors the MS150, sent a proclamation to the mayor’s office stating that “Fayetteville is the friendliest town in Texas.”
In 1998 the first Fayetteville Good Old Summertime Classic bike ride started with the purpose of bringing cyclists to town and to raise money for the local school. Over the past 22 years, the ride has given $150,000 to the school to benefit the Education Foundation and Athletic Department. The ride is the first Sunday in June with distances from 8 to 65 miles.
Cycling has brought many back to Fayetteville and the surrounding area, not only to ride but to enjoy a weekend home or to live in the area permanently. The backroads of Fayette County are here for everyone to enjoy riding. After their ride, cyclists are encouraged to take some timeto relax in this beautiful historic town. Not only is Fayetteville cycling friendly, residents love sharing their town with visitors.
All are welcome.
