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📅 History of the Cape Fear Cyclists’ “Tour de Blueberry”

Celebrating over 15 years of cycling tradition

2009 – The Beginning

The first “Tour de Blueberry” was held June 21, 2009 as a merge of two rides:

  • Terry Benjey’s “Longest Day Ride” at Pender Memorial Park
  • CFC’s family ride from the NC Blueberry Festival in Burgaw (2006–2008)

In 2008, CFC had tried a competitive criterium, but it failed financially. So organizers Terry Benjey, Tom Armor and Al Schroetel pivoted in 2009 to a non‑competitive ride with 12–40 mile options.

2009 Highlights:
  • $15/$20 fee covered T‑shirts & insurance via LAB
  • Burgaw provided signs, shirts, posters & police escort
  • Approximately 60 riders participated
2010 – Growth Starts

The Fun Ride and Tour ran separately but both started at Pender Memorial Park.

2010 Highlights:
  • 104 riders; first non‑locals (Raleigh, Durham, PA)
  • Maintained $15 fee, with home‑club $10 discount
  • Wilmington Ortho (EmergeOrtho) and Pepperidge Farm sponsored
  • “Longest Day” continued with no fee but shared T‑shirts
2011 – Consolidation

Fun Ride integrated into the main event; Craig Mann joined the management team.

2011 Highlights:
  • 150+ participants; increasing out‑of‑state attendance
  • “Tour” and “Longest Day” separated for clarity
2012–2013 – Riding Higher

CFC strengthened fundraising and expanded impact.

2012:
  • 200+ riders
  • $2,000 donated to Pender Parks & Rec, SECU Family House, West Pender Rail Trail Alliance
2013:
  • 250+ riders
  • $3,000 donated to Pender Parks, SECU Family House, Oak Island Warrior Ride, Murray Middle bike rack, Dixie Youth Club
2014–2015 – Growing Logistics

Event outgrew the park location; moved to Burgaw Middle School in 2015 for better amenities.

2014:
  • 300+ riders
  • $5,600 donated to recipients including Terry Benjey Foundation & East Coast Greenway
2015:
  • New school venue with cafeteria & parking; added Porta‑Potties & food truck (PT’s Grille)
  • $4,150 donated to Burgaw MS, nonprofits, UNCW Blueberry Festival Scholarship
2016–2017 – Media & Communication Upgrades

Jack Little took over; communication and registration improved.

2016:
  • ~500 riders; two food trucks added; Hampstead Hams supported comms
  • ClubExpress online registration; $35/$40 fee; $8,000 donated
2017:
  • 510 pre‑registered, 130 on‑site; two food trucks; rainy but vibrant event
  • $7,000 donated
2018–2019 – Anniversary & Diversification

Turned 10th annual and diversified amenities.

2018:
  • 503 pre‑registrations; additional food truck & raffle bike; sock fundraiser
  • $15,400 donated
2019:
  • 441 riders; new food trucks including Kona Ice; Switchin’ Gears provided bike tech
  • $8,000+ donated
2020–2021 – Pandemic Pivot & Hybrid Model
2020:
  • No event due to COVID-19 and Festival cancelation.
2021:
  • Virtual Challenge + Zwift + limited in-person (250 riders); 312 total participation
  • $5,836 donated to scholarship, Burgaw MS, Terry Benjey Foundation, Switchin’ Gears
2022–2024 – Record Attendance & Amenities
2022:
  • 633 participants; virtual challenge (17); 616 in-person
  • Multiple food trucks; Hampstead Hams; $16,313 net donated to multiple recipients
2023:
  • 613 riders; $24,024 gross / $15,700 donated; enhanced aid‑station logistics by Hamstead Hams
2024:
  • 553 riders (145 CFC); $44,665 gross; $14,500 donated
  • Packet pickup at Waterman’s Brewing & day-of; CFC perks: separate line, breakfast, raffle, group photo, free blueberries
  • Bike tech by non-profits; massage, SAG support, no rest stop shortages

Special attention to rider experience and club engagement made 2024 a standout year.