History of the Cape Fear Cyclists’ “Tour de Blueberry”
The first “Tour de Blueberry” was held on June 21, 2009. It was an expansion of two existing rides:
- The “Longest Day Ride” that Terry Benjey had organized and conducted for several prior years. That ride began at sunrise and ended at sunset with the loops starting and finishing at Pender Memorial Park
- The “Family Fun Ride” that Cape Fear Cyclists (CFC) conducted in conjunction with the NC Blueberry Festival in Burgaw in 2006, 2007 and 2008. That ride started at an elementary school in the northern section of Burgaw. The Family Fun Ride was organized by CFC at the request of Martin Beach, the Burgaw Town Manager and Blueberry Festival Committee Chair. He had approached Terry Benjey and Al Schroetel in 2006 about adding a bicycle event to the NC Blueberry Festival which had a long-standing 5K Run
Precursor to the “Tour de Blueberry”
In 2008 Burgaw’s Town Manager Martin Beach asked Terry and Al to organize a competitive bicycling event in Burgaw. After exploring different bicycle race options, it was decided that a Criterium would be the best choice and the “NC Blueberry Festival Criterium” was held in conjunction with the Festival on June 20, 2008.
The Criterium course was set up south of the historic Burgaw Train Station as a loop on Dickerson and Dudley streets (opposite the Burgaw Middle School). The Town of Burgaw was very helpful in arranging for this event; closing the road, patching potholes on the course and putting up bales of hay at the 90 degree turns at each end of the course loop.
Approximately 50 riders participated in three separate “heats” (Note: Some participated in more than one “Heat”). The official USA Cycling results are available at: http://stage.usacycling.org/results/?permit=2008-1473
Unfortunately, the Blueberry Festival Criterium was not a success. Only seven local riders participated and very few Festival goers came to watch the races. It cost over $2000 to conduct the event, including fees for USA Cycling officials, insurance and prize money (cash prizes are necessary to attract USA Cycling program participants) and registration fees covered only part of those expenses. Financially, it was a loss of about $600. Fortunately, the Town of Burgaw had agreed in advance to split the cost (or profit) the Criterium cost to CFC was reduced to $300.
Planning for the first “Tour de Blueberry”:
In a 2009 meeting between Burgaw town officials including Martin Beach and CFC representatives (Terry Benjey, Tom Armor and Al Schroetel) it was decided that CFC would not attempt another competitive event.
Instead, CFC would conduct two non-competitive cycling rides in conjunction with the Blueberry Festival:
- The “Family Fun Ride” for less experienced riders on the 8 and 12-mile loops north of Burgaw used in the past two past years.
- As in the past CFC would have the “Longest Day Ride” with the loops starting and finishing at the Pender Memorial Park (same as past years).
On further discussion it was decided that Non-Competitive Ride which would be called the “Tour de Blueberry” could be combined with the second loop of “The Longest Day Ride”. It would start from Pender Memorial Park at about 8:30am and there would be ride length options from 12 to about 40 miles. Because this was a non-competitive event it was possible to arrange Insurance through the League of American Bicyclists (LAB)
The entry fee was set at $15 ($20 for non-CFC members) to cover T-shirts and insurance expenses. The town of Burgaw agreed to provide the following: all needed directional signs, a large route map at the Park, 25 large posters to put in bike stores and other athletic shops. The Town also provided the T-Shirts at their cost (about $6.00). The shirt had the Tour de Blueberry logo (a blueberry cyclist on a bicycle).
It was also agreed that the Burgaw Police Department would provide escort and traffic control when the ride would cross Wilmington Street (at the start of the ride). In essence this was to be a bicycle “parade” through the main part of Burgaw at the start of the event, giving cycling excellent exposure. After that, CFC would provide ride leaders and SAG wagons.
Approximately 60 riders participated in the first “Tour de Blueberry”
Note: There is more detailed information about this first Tour de Blueberry at attachments #1 and #2.
2010:
In 2010 the “Family Fun Ride” and the “Tour de Blueberry” were still conducted as separate events but for the first time both rides started at the Pender Memorial Park.
In that year, rider participation for the Tour de Blueberry increased to 104 and for the first time it attracted non-local riders, primarily from Raleigh and Durham, but also one rider from Pennsylvania. Registration cost was held to $15, but a CFC membership could be included for an additional $10. There was also a $5.00 late registration fee.
Registration for the Family Fun Ride” was free, however participants could purchase a T-shirt for $15.
Terry Benjey and Al Schroetel were the event organizers and managers. Water and soft-drinks and snacks were offered. Wilmington Ortho (now EmergeOrtho) became a sponsor for the first time. The local Pepperidge Farm distributor also provided their products without cost.
CFC’’s “Longest Day” ride also continued to start at sunrise and end at sunset. It consisted of three loops totaling 100 miles. Riders on the first loop returned to the park in time to meet the 8:30AM “Tour de Blueberry” riders. There was no registration fee for the Longest Day riders, but most riders also paid the “Tour de Blueberry” fee and received the T-shirt.
2011:
This year the “Tour de Blueberry” ridership was over 150 for the first time and included increasing numbers from other areas of NC and some from out of State.
Also, this year the “Family Fun Ride” became part of the Tour de Blueberry and was no longer offered as a separate “no fee” event.
Craig Mann joined Terry Benjey and Al Schroetel as “Tour” managers.
During a review of “Lessons Leaned” following the 2011 “Tour de Blueberry” it was decided that “The Longest Day” ride and the “Tour de Blueberry” should not be a combined event run on the same day. It was confusing to Club members and guests; it was difficult to keep track of Tour riders and it over-tasked the supply of event volunteers or reduced their available time.”
2012:
Craig Mann was the “Tour” manager. The start and finish of the ride was from Pender Memorial Park again this year. Ridership was over 200, including larger numbers from other areas in North Carolina and other states. The popularity of the “Tour” was clearly broadening.
Income over expenses was substantial and the Club was able to donate a total of $2000 to the Pender County Parks and Rec (for the Memorial Park where the “Tour” and many CFC rides originate), the SECU Family House (which provided a meeting room for CFC Board meetings, and the West Pender Rail Trail Alliance (a foundation that tried to create a Rail-Trail from Wilmington to Moore’s Creek Battle Grounds. Unfortunately, that Rail Trail effort did not succeed.
2013: Craig Mann was the “Tour” manager again this year. As in prior years the start and finish of the ride was from Pender Memorial Park. Ridership was over 250 participants.
This year the “Tour de Blueberry” income over expenses increased and the Club was able to donate a total of $3000 to the Pender County Parks and Recreation, the SECU Family House, the Oak Island Warrior Ride (for disabled veterans) and a bicycle rack for Murray Middle School in Wilmington.
In addition, donations were made to the Dixie Youth Club who had given us the use of their Concession stand at Pender Memorial Park. This was useful because it provided protection from the elements and also some refrigerated storage.
2014: Rich and Ann Donaldson became the event managers this year. This was this the last year the “Tour” started and ended at Pender Memorial Park. Ridership was over 300. Because of the large number of participants, parking space was an issue and an adjoining field had to be used for overflow parking.
In 2014 the Tour de Blueberry income over expenses increased again and the Club was able to donate a total of $5600 to the same recipients as last year plus the Terry Benjey Bicycling Foundation and the East Coast Greenway.
2015
Rich and Ann Donaldson were the event managers again this year.
This was the first year CFC used the Burgaw Middle School for the Tour de Blueberry. This had the advantage of a commercial sized kitchen, tables in a large cafeteria and air conditioning as well as adequate parking adjacent to the school.
Bathrooms were an issue: There were indoor bathrooms in the cafeteria but only one toilet in each. There were long lines in the gym also, so it was recombed that there should be Porta-Potties at the school in addition to the gym and cafeteria restrooms
This was also the first year a food truck was added. PT's Grille Mobile served their very popular hamburgers However, there were very long lines so it was recommended that there should be two food trucks in the future.
Ridership was high and income over expense was substantial. As a result, the Club was able to donate a total of $4,150 to Burgaw Middle school and other non-profit organizations that support bicycling as well as the UNCW Blueberry Festival Scholarship.
2016: Jack Little became the “Tour”t manager, replacing Rich and Ann Donaldson. He continued to use the Burgaw Middle School as the start and finish of the ride. There were approximately 500 riders with roughly 2/3 being CFC members.
The Hampstead Hams, citizen radio club helped for the first time. Thus was a great improvement in our ability to communicate between the base at the school and the rest stops and SAG drivers.
In addition to P.T.’s Grill (Hamburgers) a second food truck (Poor Piggy’s BBQ) was added because of the long lines experienced in 2015.
ClubExpress was used for the first time for on-line registration. Pre-registration cost was $35.00 for adults; $15.00 for 13 years and younger. Pre-registered participants were entitled to a T-shirt and lunch. Registration on ride day was $40 and included lunch but no T-shirt. Online Registrations totaled $14,773.37
Proceeds from the “Tour” increased dramatically making it possible to donate a total of $8,000 to the recipients including the Burgaw Middle School, the UNCW Blueberry Festival Scholarship, the Terry Benjey Bicycling Foundation and the Hamstead Hams.
2017: Jack Little was the event manager again this year and the Hamstead Hams became a permanent part of the “Tour de Blueberry” event communication. The food trucks were PT's and The Little Chef.
The Pre-Registration fee was $35 and “Day of” was $40. There were 510 pre-registered on ClubExpress and 130 registered at the on-site registration table. Proceeds from the Tour made it possible to donate to $7,000 to the recipients.
It rained very heavily that day, but that did not stop the enjoyment and enthusiasm of the participants with riders standing in the rain, smiling and talking to friends as if it was the nicest day of the summer. Jack and a small group carried a tent and placed it over the heads of those waiting for their PT burgers.
2018: Beth Andrew volunteered and became the 2018 “Tour de Blueberry” organizer and manager. It was advertised as the 10th annual event. There were 503 riders that pre-registered on-line with ClubExpress. Cost for riders was $40 for adults and $13 for kids
under 13. Pre-registration by June 5th was required to guarantee a T-Shirt. There was no increased fee for “day of” registrations.
There were two food trucks: PT’s Mobile Grill returned for a third time and Port City Que offered BBQ. Parking was available at the Middle school and the adjacent Cape Fear Community College.
Because it was the 10th anniversary, Commerative socks were sold as part of the pre-registration and could also be purchased separately at the school. Two-Wheeler Dealer bike store donated a Blue Electra 1 cruiser bicycle as a raffle for the event’s fundraiser.
There were four ride route choices from 10 to 33 miles in length and an option for a 66-mile Metric Century.
Proceeds from the “Tour” increased dramatically again, made it possible to donate to $15,400 to the recipients, with the Burgaw Parks and Rec, the Burgaw Middle School and the Terry Benjey Bicycling Foundation being the major recipients.
2019: Beth Andrew was the “Tour de Blueberry” organizer and manager again this year. There were 441 riders. Cost for riders was $40 for adults and $13 for kids under 13. This was the last year that ClubExpress was used for on-line registration.
Lunch was provided by Port City Que and La Bella Airosa food trucks. In addition, the Kona Ice Truck was on-site for post-ride sweets and treats and a blueberry vendor was on-site to sell fresh berries.
Pre-ride bike tech support was provided by Switchin' Gears a Wilmington non-profit (501c3) organization that salvaged and reconditioned bicycle for residents in one of Wilmington's poorest sections.
Proceeds from the “Tour” made it possible to donate over $8,000 to the recipients. As in the previous year, Burgaw Parks and Rec, the Burgaw Middle School and the Terry Benjey Bicycling Foundation were the major recipients.
2020: Because of the COVID Pandemic, the “Tour de Blueberry” was not held and the NC Blueberry Festival was cancelled.
2021: The “Tour de Blueberry” resumed in 2021, but with several modifications due to the continuing COVID pandemic. The NC Blueberry Festival was cancelled again this year but permission was given from the Town to conduct the Tour de Blueberry.
Beth Andrew resumed leadership as the event manager and was very creative in developing events that were consistent with the COVID conditions. We partnered with Full Send Racing to create three events, as follows:
- Tour De Blueberry Virtual Challenge: Virtual participants registered on-line the miles they road from April 12 to April 19.
- Tour De Blueberry ZWIFT Race: a virtual race on the ZWIFT ride platform in which participants registered on-line their miles from June 12th to June 20th. This also included registration for the in-person ride in Burgaw,
- The In-person Tour De Blueberry: This ride was limited to the first 250 riders with an active CFC membership. Club membership could be obtained during the registration process for $20. There were three routes this year (20-miler, 50K, 100K)
There were 312 registered participants (including the virtual ride).
The 2021 “Tour” income over expense was a total of $5836 which was donated to the NC Blueberry Festival Scholarship Fund, Burgaw Middle School and the Terry Benjey Bicycling Foundation and Switchin' Gears.
2022: The Club was able to resume the full “Tour de Blueberry” in 2022 with 633 participants. The NC Blueberry Festival also resumed this year.
Beth Andrew was the event manager and the Club partnered again with Full Send Promotions.
There was virtual Challenge Ride from June 10th to 18th which had 17 participants. The in-person ride began at 8:30AM from the Burgaw Middle School on June 18th with 616 riders,
Ella's Eats Food Truck provided 300 burgers, chicken or crab cake Sandwiches. In addition, burritos from Moe’s and sandwiches from Jersey Mikes were available in the school cafeteria.
The Hampstead Hams, the amateur radio club, staffed most of the rest stops. They also continued providing the ride’s communication with the SAG drivers so they could more quickly reach riders that needed assistance.
The Net income (after expenses) was $16,313, of which $11,000 was donated to Hampstead Hams, the Blueberry Scholarship at UNCW, the Sandhills-AME Church, the Penderlea Volunteer Fire Department, TBBF and the League of American Bicyclists.
2023: The 2023 “Tour de Blueberry” was another huge success thanks to Beth Andrew’s experience and continuing leadership. 613 riders participated and $24,024 was raised. After expenses a total of $15,700 was donated to Burgaw Middle School, the Hampstead Hams (Short waive communications), the Blueberry Scholarship at UNCW, the Sandhills-AME Church, the Penderlea Volunteer Fire Department, TBBF, League of American Bicyclists (LAB), the Terry Benjey Bicycling Foundation and BikeWalk NC.
The Hamstead Hams assumed full ownership of the aid & rest stations. As a result supplies (water and snacks) were full at each aid station. In prior year there were problems keeping the right amounts of water and snacks at the correct rest stops. The “Hams’s” constant communication via short-waive and made it possible to get the supplies to the locations when and where they were needed.
The food trucks combined with Jersey Mike's subs were a hit. The “First Bites” food truck was added for an early “brunch” and “La Bella Airosa” as the second truck worked very well.
One major accident on the ride required transport from the scene (loss of consciousness, stitches and a broken tooth). Another rider was SAG'd back to the school and because of a broken hand and ribs.
2024:
The “Tour de Blueberry” continued to be a highly successful event due to Beth Andrew’s 6th year of event leadership as well as the many volunteers. There were 553 riders, including 145 CFC members. In addition to registration fees, $2,904 was donated to CFC bringing the Total Gross to $44,664.80. After accounting for expenses, a total of $14,500 was donated to Burgaw Middle School, the Hampstead Hams, the Blueberry Scholarship at UNCW, the Sandhills-AME Church, the Penderlea Volunteer Fire Department, TBBF, League of American Bicyclists (LAB) and BikeWalk NC.
Packet and SWAG pick-up was available on June 14 at Waterman's Brewing in Wilmington and on the “day-of” at Burgaw Middle.
Special “perks” for CFC participants were added this year. There was a separate line for CFC members at registration and packet Pick-Up on Friday and Saturday, early coffee & breakfast treats on Saturday, a raffle ticket for a free massage, a CFC Group photo and every CFC member received a free pint of blueberries.
Pre-ride support (inflate tires, patch tubes, etc.) was available from two local, bicycle-oriented non-profits. They were: “Special Pedals Inc.” an organization providing special education and fulfilling employment for young adults through bicycle repair, refurbishing and recycling and “A Bike for Every Child” a non-profit that collects new and used bikes from the community, refurbishes them, and gives the bikes and helmets to kids who need one.
The Hamstead Hams staffed and stocked all rest stops in addition to their customary communications role. They did an excellent job and there were no “shortages” at any of the rest stops.
There were two food trucks again this year: “First Bites” for an early “brunch” and Michael’s Seafood Truck was the second truck. In addition, cold-wrap sandwiches were available in the school dining room. Blueberries were available for purchase for everyone at the school from Altar Cross Farms
There were several massage therapists on hand for post-ride rest and rejuvenation in the air-conditioned cafeteria.
There was excellent SAG coverage throughout the day and in spite of the extremely hot weather there were only six “rescues” due to heat exhaustion and one due to a broken spoke. One rider returned to the school on his own, but subsequently required evacuation to ta hospital by EMS.
Having the routes open for 6 ½ hours appeared to be more than needed. With the exception of one rider, all riders were back at the school by about 2:00PM. That one remaining rider was moving very slowly and had to be followed by one SAG driver until he reached the school
Attachment !:
(Al Schroetel’s notes)
North Carolina Blueberry Festival Cycling Events June 21, 2009
Today, Tom Armour, Terry Benjey and I met with Martin Beach (Burgaw Town manager and Festival Chairman), Bill King (Burgaw Chief of Police) Doug Riseden (Burgaw Public Works Director) and Don Dover (Assistant Public Works Director) to discuss plans for Festival cycling events.
I explained that the $2000 cost of conducting a USAC Crit, the USAC NC State Time Trial Championships in Greensboro the same weekend and the economy’s effect on sponsors, had caused CFC to decide that we would not do a Crit this year. The Burgaw folks all agreed.
We discussed with the Burgaw officials the cycling events that would definitely happen and some options for other cycling events.
- As in the past we would have a Longest Day Ride with the loops starting and finishing at Memorial Park (same as past years).
- We would also conduct a Fun Ride for families and casual riders, This would be on the 8 and 12 mile loops north of Burgaw used in past years.
We also discussed options for competitive events. I had told them that we had considered a CycleCross but that the CFC racing group said June was too hot for that. We also discussed a Duathlon that would be combined with the festival 5K run. That option was not favored by the Burgaw folks because of the complex logistics and that it would spread the Police force too thinly when they were needed for other Festival events. They were similarly concerned about separate (stand-alone) Time Trials in the area on the day of the festival because of the high levels of traffic into and out of Burgaw. Their thinking was similar with my own that the coordination and logistical problems would be very problematic.
We then discussed a Non-Competitive Ride which would be called the “Tour de Blueberry”. After discussion it was decided that it could be combined with the second loop of Longest Day Ride (Terry will rework the route accordingly). It would start from Memorial Park at ~ 8:30am and there would be ride length options from 12 to about 40 miles. I am confident we can arrange Insurance with LAB since this will be a non-competitive event much like the Hot 100.
- The entry fee will be about $15 to cover insurance and the T-shirts
- Martin Beach said he will provide without cost to CFC:
- As many directional signs as we need and a large route map at he Park. CFC will need to put the signs out.
- A link on the Blueberry Festival website to the Tour registration form (we will provide a link form the CFC website to the Blueberry Festival website).
- 25 large posters (similar to last year) to put in bike stores and other athletic shops.
- Martin Beach will also provide T-Shirts with the Tour de Blueberry logo (a gape cyclists on a bicycle) at his costs (about $6.00)
- The Police Department will provide escort and traffic control for the one time the ride will cross Wilmington Street (at the start of the ride). In essence this will be a bicycle “parade” through the main part of Burgaw at the start of the event, giving cycling excellent exposure. After that, CFC will provide ride leaders and SAG wagons.
The Fun Ride (along the 8 and 12 mile northern route used in 2006 to 2008) will also start from Memorial Park at 8:30am to take advantage of the Police escort and traffic control at Wilmington Street
Other information:
- Al will provide the text for the Tour de Blueberry to Martin Beach for their website
- The 5K Run starts at 7:00am and is over by 8:30am. The Run folks get water donated by Subway. Maybe we can get water donated by someone.
- A future planning meeting will be held at Strickland’s Café near Watha.
- Need to decide on whether we want to also staff a CFC Information booth
Separate issue (not related to the Festival): CFC will still conduct three Time Trials in April and May. The course will be on the Shaw Highway course identified by Jim Dockal and used in the second TT in 2008. Insurance will probably be through LAB. There will probably be an entry fee. Tom Armour suggested a $20 fee for all three TT’s so that attendance stays high. There will also be a one-day fee.
Attachment 2:
E-mail and Website Announcement
2009 NC Blueberry Festival Cycling Events
There will be two cycling events in conjunction with the Festival, as follows:
A Blueberry Festival Fun Ride
What: In conjunction with the NC Blueberry Festival the Cape Fear Cyclists will conduct a Bicycle Fun Ride. This is a non-competitive, relaxed event for riders of all ages, abilities and experience. It is especially designed for family fun. Distance will be 8 miles, with a 12-mile option on quiet country roads in Pender County. This event is FREE!
Where: Ride will start at the Pender Memorial Park in Burgaw, NC. The park and ball fields are located on the South side of Burgaw on Smith Street. There is lots of parking there to unload bikes.
When: Saturday, June 20, 2009. Ride will start promptly at 8:30am but we need participants to arrive No Later Than 8:00am to unload bikes, get helmets on, etc. There is no entry fee but we would like people to pre-register so that we can arrange the appropriate level of support. Registration can be done on the Festival Website at: www.ncblueberryfestival.com. If that link is not available, people can pre-register by sending an e-mail to downeast@bellsouth.net. We will try to have about 50 helmets to give to ride participants without cost. Helmets must be worn. Riders under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
Members of the Cape Fear Cyclists bicycle club will check helmets and bikes for proper operation. They will ride with the participants to make sure they don’t have any problems. We will also have “SAG” vehicles following the riders to help with mechanical problems or give someone a lift back to the start point.
“Tour de Blueberry”
What: In conjunction with the NC Blueberry Festival the Cape Fear Cyclists will have the “Tour de Blueberry” ride. This is a non-competitive, relaxed event for experienced riders. The entry fee will be $15 for Club members and $20 for non-Club members. All pre-registered participants will receive a “Tour de Blueberry” T-Shirt, route maps, and water and energy bars.
Where: The distances will be 33 miles with options for shorter and longer routes. All
routes will be “loops” on quiet country roads in Pender County starting and ending at Pender Memorial Park in Burgaw, NC. The park and ball fields are located on the South side of Burgaw on Smith Street. There is lots of park