Grab a costume, find a tricycle that’s way too small for you, and get ready to pedal for glory. The Tour de Trike is back.
For the first time since 2019, United Way of Moore County will host its Tour de Trike adult tricycle race at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, on West New Hampshire Avenue in downtown Southern Pines. And when the last heat crosses the finish line, one lucky ticket holder will ride home on a brand-new Ford Mustang electric bike.
Local business owners, co-workers, families, and friends will race on child-sized trikes in themed costumes, and the crowd gets in on the action, too. For $25, spectators can give a rider a 5-foot head start or send an opponent 5 feet behind the starting line.
Before each heat, a pink gorilla will be auctioned off to the highest bidder, who can put the “Monkey on the Back” of another racer to slow them down. Bidding starts at $20.
“It seems like everybody walks away from this one laughing,” said Linda Pearson, president of United Way of Moore County. “Downtown Southern Pines is known for fun community events, and this is one more great reason to come out.”
Riders must be 18 or older, and entry is $100. Registration by Tuesday, Nov. 10, is preferred, but United Way will accept riders until the race begins.
“It’s all about having fun, and anybody can win,” said Kit McKinley, director of resource development for United Way of Moore County. “Every rider who lines up is helping our community.”
A grand prize at the finish line
Once the racing wraps up, the night ends with a raffle drawing. Cooper Ford donated a red Ford Mustang electric bicycle valued at more than $4,500, and the winning ticket will be pulled at the end of the race.
“When Aaron Cooper offered the bike, we knew right away it belonged with the Tour de Trike,” McKinley said. “Three wheels, two wheels, it all fits.”
Only 1,000 raffle tickets will be sold, at $20 each or six for $100. Racers have a shot, too: Each heat winner earns a free raffle ticket, and the overall champion gets five.
Cooper Ford is the event’s gold sponsor.
Where the money goes
Proceeds from the race and raffle support United Way’s 17 partner agencies and about 19 programs that help Moore County families build lasting financial stability. Many of those families are ALICE households, which stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. They are hardworking neighbors who keep local hospitals, restaurants and golf courses running but still struggle to cover the basics.
To register for the race, buy raffle tickets, or learn more, visit unitedwaymoore.com.
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Contributed.
