The Boys & Girls Club of Bluffton will host a premier cycling fundraising event Nov. 6 in Bluffton, to be called “Bike Bluffton.”
Bike Bluffton is mirrored after the success of Pedal Hilton Head, a similar cycling event that draws more than 600 riders of various abilities and raises more than $100,000 for The Boys & Girls Club of Hilton Head.
“We’re thrilled to offer Lowcountry riders the opportunity to experience Bluffton’s beauty,” said Bike Bluffton Committee co-chairman Bruce Andrews. “Riders of various levels of experience will enjoy carefully planned, scenic routes while simultaneously giving back to the children of our community who need us the most.”
The Boys & Girls Club of Bluffton has served more than 4,500 children ages 6 to 18 since opening its doors in 1998. Nearly 50% of the Club members are living in a single-parent household, and 40% are living below the Federal poverty line.
The Club has faced significant capacity challenges since COVID. With an annual operating budget of more than $1 million, existing fundraisers contribute to just 35% of the annual fund. This additional fundraiser, Bike Bluffton, is expected to be an annual event that will net nearly 10% of the annual operating budget by year 5.
There are four ride routes designed to offer something for everyone. The 62-mile ride and 30-mile ride are for avid cyclists, many of which travel in groups from all over the country.
The 10-mile ride is for fitness enthusiasts who might not have extensive biking experience but are looking for a challenge.
The family-friendly 2-mile ride is designed for the Club members and their families, and community members who want to get out and support The Boys & Girls Club.
The rides will start at staged times, with the earliest and longest commencing at 8 a.m. The start and finish will be at The Boys & Girls Club of Bluffton. Depending on which ride selected, riders may ride through Sun City and even Palmetto Bluff. After the riding event, participants and the families will enjoy food, music and activities.
About 40% of the 600-plus registered riders of Pedal Hilton Head were from out of town (greater than 50 miles away). Bike Bluffton anticipates similar participation. Partnerships with Bluffton hotels and restaurants are expected to draw crowds through promotional packages.
Registration opened July 15 at bikebluffton.org. Registration fees start as low as $50 for a family fun ride with up to five family members, or ride for a specific Club member for $300.
Local businesses who are interested in sponsoring the event are welcome. Sponsorships start at $250 and go to $10,000. Businesses who are interested in a tax-deductible contribution that benefits the Boys & Girls Club of Bluffton are invited to contact Bruce Andrews, bruceandrews22@gmail.com, or the other co-chair of the event, Mollie Sandman at msandman@southatlantic.bank.
For more information and updates, follow the event on Facebook and Instagram at @bikebluffton.
