Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, June 11, 1993                   TAG: 9306110198
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-14   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: FLOYD                                LENGTH: Medium

BIKE EVENT TO DRAW OVER 1,200 CYCLISTS

The event gets under way June 18 as cyclists gather in Floyd to leave their cars and get organized. Over 1,200 cyclists from 33 states are expected to participate. A portion of the proceeds go to support the Virginia Special Olympics.

Cyclists will be shuttled from Floyd to Bristol, where the tour sets out in earnest June 19. The route ultimately will return them to Floyd five days later. Stops are planned in Abingdon, Marion, Wytheville and Galax.

Local cyclists can take part for one day only anywhere on the route.

Along the way, cyclists can enjoy an outdoor country music jamboree in Bristol, be entertained by Fat Ammons Band in Marion, attend the Barter Theater in Abingdon, take in the Chautauqua Cultural Festival in Wytheville and enjoy bluegrass music in Galax.

On the Galax-to-Floyd leg - the final day of the event - two cyclists who met on an earlier Bike Virginia Adventure will be married.

In Floyd, local Special Olympians will hand each participant a Bike Virginia 1993 commemorative patch.

A grand finale public celebration - complete with a huge cake and homemade ice cream, a crafts fair, live music, and a spaghetti supper - will conclude the event.

Serious or weekend cyclists who want to get in on the fun can still register. Helmets are required and there is a fee. For details, call (804) 229-0507, or write Bike Virginia, P.O. Box 203, Williamsburg, Va. 23187.

Cyclists interested in the final day's ride along the Blue Ridge Parkway also can call the Floyd County Chamber of Commerce at 745-4407.