After many years in hiatus, the Graham Chamber of Commerce is excited to revive the event, bringing a bike ride back to Graham. The Possum Pedal will be held in conjunction with the Red, White & You Celebration, on July 4th. Graham’s patriotic spirit is one of many components that make it such a unique Texas town.
We were lucky enough to be granted an interview with DeAnna Bullock Armstrong, Chamber director of Possum Pedal Bike Ride to ask some questions about their upcoming ride.
Why Join the “Possum Pedal”?
1. It’s the beginning of something great. This is our first ride in almost 20 years. However we have done our homework and the committee lead is an avid biker who rides in events similar to this.
2. you can “warm up” to the Hotter N Hell 100 — the routes and terrain are similar to the HHH.
3. Graham is easy to get to from several major population hubs around the state. Bring your families and friends. It is a beautiful area and a quaint town with a great July 4th event that looks like it was staged for the movies.
How long has the event been around, how did it start and why the long hiatus?
The Possum Pedal began in the late 80s and ended in the mid-90s. It lasted for about 8-10 years and has been on hiatus until now. From what we know, the hiatus happen because it just got to be too much for the original organizers, who were all volunteers. This time around, since it is under the Chamber’s umbrella, we believe it has tremendous future vitality because someone “owns” the event and it is the Chamber’s job to keep it running. It still relies heavily on community support and volunteers, but the Chamber has professional paid staff to make sure its events and programs are maintained.
What was the motivation behind starting the tour and who benefits from it?
The Chamber has a board member who is an avid biker and everywhere he went people asked him about the Possum Pedal and wanted to know what happened to it. He really wanted to see the ride return to the area. After a few discussions and the full support of the board, it was decided to pursue it because it met several goals and criteria.
The Graham Chamber of Commerce wanted to build on an established community event that would draw tourists and visitors while utilizing our best outdoor assets. Graham is a picturesque town nestled in beautiful part of the state. Our community is uniquely patriotic and our July 4th event — Red, White &You Celebration & Parade — seemed to be the perfect fit to add a bike ride. Assuming the Possum Pedal was an obvious choice because of the name recognition and brand it still had.
Ultimately the community of Graham will benefit. The Chamber has also designated the Wounded Warrior Project to receive a portion of funds raised. We hope we can really grow the giving-back aspect of this ride to benefit veterans.
How have they been able to utilize the funds in the past?
This is hard to answer … the Rotary Club of Graham was the major force behind the Possum Pedal in its first iteration. The Rotary Club is a charitable organization with local and international programs.
Logistically, can you give us an idea how many volunteers, finances, and planning it takes to put on this event?
This year we estimate it will take about 80 volunteers to put this on, but we anticipate this growing over the next few years as we establish the ride and promote it effectively. Budget for the event is low, but again it will grow over the next few years as our capacity increases.
How many riders do you assist during the average race?
Can’t answer this yet. But we have a training for all our rest stop personnel and ride organizers so that they will know what to look for if someone is in distress or need of medical attention.
What was the most unforgettable experience or worst accident you had in this event? (prefer the rewarding/unforgettable experience ;o))
In the past rides of 20 years ago, there was a climb challenge on Spivey Hill, which is a ridiculously steep grade hill. The road takes you to a neighborhood that sits on the top of a bluff that overlooks the city from the Northwest. It’s a steep climb but coming back down is far more tricky. In years past it was part of the last mile on the approach to the finish line.
We plan for next year’s ride to have a challenge climb on this hill.
What can folks do to support you and your mission?
First we need riders to participate, and to spread the word that the Possum Pedal is back, and to donate to the Wounded Warrior Project.
What is your role in this race and to the success of it?
This event is a Chamber-led and organized event. I am the Chamber director — so I have a vested interest in making this a successful event that can be carried on year after year.
Do you ride and if yes, what kind of bicycle do you ride and what is your favorite route in your area?
Yes I ride a mountain bike, Trek 6700 — I’ve put on slick tires and rode a 62 mile road ride.
Which are your top 3 favorite MUST DO rides in Texas (besides your own)?
- Erwin Park, McKinney TX (mountain bike trail)
- Hotter n Hell (just to say you did)
- Cedar Hill State Park
Additional stuff you would like the folks to know about this year’s ride?
There is more to do than just ride … bikers can bring their families to enjoy a whole day of activities and celebrate all things American. It’s a great way to participate and see what a small-town celebration and parade are all about.
Thanks DeAnna Bullock Armstrong for this quick interview and we hope to catch everyone at the ride!
Click here to view the event details of the Possum Pedal Bike Ride