Homecomers adding bike tour

Think the tilt-a-whirl is tough?

Homecomers organizers have announced a new ride for Jackson's annual festival, one that will get your blood pumping more than the swinging chairs. It's a ride longer than the 40-foot jumbo slide.

This one is 60 miles long, in fact. So long, there will even be snacks along the way.

Meet Tour de Homecomers, a new bicycle tour that organizers hope will one day become as popular as Tour de Cape and Tour de Corn in East Prairie. Cyclists will start the noncompetitive tour at Jackson City Park on Aug. 21, a Saturday. They can ride 15, 30 or 60 miles.

Cyclists Mary Harriet Talbut and Vicky Litzelfelner are organizing the event. For Litzelfelner, the tour is an opportunity to showcase the area and have an organized tour in her own back yard.

Talbut brought up the idea on a women's bike outing on Katy Trail, and Litzelfelner told her she wanted to be part of it. This spring, the two women began meeting and mailing out brochures.

Expecting around 200"We've been really busy," Litzelfelner said. "The people who put on the Tour de Cape said they usually get around 300 to 400. They told us to expect around 200 the first year, and that's what we're aiming for."

Litzelfelner hopes to make this an annual event that grows over time. Litzelfelner's business, Jackson Physical Therapy and Rehab, is sponsoring the event.

The tour will no doubt bring in people who have never been to Jackson or Homecomers before.

Pete Houston, a 28-year-old cyclist from Bonne Terre, Mo., heard about the event from a friend who lives in Cape Girardeau. He said he's also bringing down a friend from Park Hills, Mo.

"I like a lot of the benefit rides like that," he said. "I like doing 60 or so miles. I'll ride in any type of weather. I just enjoy it."

That's great news to Marybeth Williams, who helps organize Homecomers and is also the chairwoman of the tourism committee of the Chamber of Commerce.

"I really think they're recruiting people from all over," she said. "It'll bring people to town and they'll stay and eat, maybe stay for the activities that evening."

That Saturday night will be the last evening of Homecomers. The Homecomers queen will be announced and there will be live entertainment, Williams said.

Mechanics on handThere will be several stops for water and food, including homemade goods, Williams said. Main Street Fitness is providing its shower facilities. There will also be a mechanic crew available for any mishaps that may occur on the tour.

The tour's proceeds will go to "Way to Go Kids," a nutrition and fitness program for children in first through fourth grades.

The bicycle tour is not the only physical fitness activity being promoted for Homecomers week.

On the Tuesday night of Homecomers, the parks and recreation department is holding the seventh annual one-mile youth run and a 5K race for adults.

Those interested in the run may call 204-8848 or 243-3568 for more information.

bmiller@semissourian.com

243-6635

Want to ride?

What: Tour de Homecomers

When: Aug. 21. Cyclists can begin as early as 7:30 a.m.

Where: American Legion baseball field at Jackson City Park.

Registration contact: Vicky Litzelfelner, 243-1001.