Annual event brings hundreds of cyclists to Salado

Hundreds of cyclists will take to the rural and city streets of Salado on March 28 and the Salado Volunteer Fire Department asks that you look out for the safety of these riders as they come from around the state to Salado.

Besides looking out for the bike riders themselves, participants ask that you pen up dogs.

One local participant told me that every year on the rural roads of the route he has to be aware of loose dogs chasing him. “I plan on bringing pepper spray this year,” he said.

But he wouldn’t have to if property owners would pen up their dogs for the one-day event. Dog owners in the Village of Salado are reminded that there is a leash law in Salado and that animals should be fenced or kept on a leash.

Firefighters volunteer every year for this event as it is a mahjor fundraiser for the SVFD. They want to avoid having to respond to a “Dog Bites Man” call during the day. Or even worse, a “Man Bites Dog”

The 13th Annual Smokin’ Spokes Bike Ride benefits the SVFD. Riders will begin their journey in downtown Salado at 8 a.m. March 28. All routes will begin and end in Salado Pace Park.

As in previous years, a variety of routes will be available for riders to choose from, with each route differing in distance and overall difficulty.

Riders can pick from 15, 27, 57, 70, 85 and 102 mile rides.  All routes will begin and end in Salado’s Pace Park.  Most routes will take cyclists east to the Summer’s Mill area, and also west to Stillhouse Hollow Lake.

There are rest stops designated with each route.  “We placed most of our rest stops at very scenic locations,” said Shane Berrier, Salado Volunteer Fire Department Chief.  “One is on the shore of Stillhouse Hollow Lake; one is at the Overlook Park on top of the dam to Stillhouse Hollow; and one is at Summer’s Mill.”

Entry fee will be $25 for pre-registration and $30 for on-site registration.  The first 300 pre-registered riders will be guaranteed a Smokin’ Spokes T-Shirt. Pre-Register  by March 25.

Click on saladospokes.com/ to register via the internet and learn more about the race, including maps of the various routes.

On-site registration can be completed for $30.

Free food and drinks will be handed out to riders all day long at the finish line.

http://saladowinefestival.com