Sheriff's '08 bike ride could be best ever

Four years ago, Sheriff Bill Blanton acknowledges his first-ever Ride for the Relay was put together with some sense of haste.

Organized in just about three weeks time, the first Ride for the Relay still managed to generate about $3,500 for cancer research.

Today, with planning for the fourth annual Ride for the Relay well under way, Blanton can't believe how far the event has progressed. But it has since become apparent why the event has taken off.

"I didn't really realize it until it hit home how many people had a family member, loved one or friend who had cancer," he said. "You'd be surprised at the (number of) bike riders who are survivors or the people with them who are survivors."

Last year's event, delayed by rain and competing for attention against a major motorcycle event in Myrtle Beach, still managed to attract about 300 riders and bring in about $13,000 for cancer research.

This year's event, scheduled for April 26, will hopefully be the biggest yet. Blanton is hoping for at least 500 riders, making the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office Ride for the Relay one of the biggest charity bike events in the Upstate.

The April 26 Ride for the Relay will be based from the Broad River Electric Co-Op building across from Nestle on Highway 29 South.

Activities and registration will start at 9 a.m. and the bike ride is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m., starting with a "Parade of Riders" up Floyd Baker Boulevard.

The 80-mile round trip planned for this year's ride will go through Chesnee, Spartanburg and Union before ending back at Broad River Electric Co-Op for lunch and festivities.

New this year is a classic car show being planned at the Broad River Electric Co-Op. Anyone wishing to enter a car in the show can sign up at Bill's Lok & Kee on West Frederick Street.

Blanton got involved in raising money for The American Cancer Society after cancer struck close to home. His wife, Pam, now is three years in remission following treatment.

"We wanted to do something that would not only help her, but help everyone," he said.

"Every year more charities turn to the biker community to help them meet their needs and I've never seen bikers fail to respond," said Billy Weaver, owner of Harley Davidson of Greenville. "Our bulletin board is always overflowing with notices for rides to benefit someone or some group."

Riders participating in the Cherokee County event will have police escorts the entire way, as motorcycle police officers from Charleston, Spartanburg

and the the South Carolina Highway Patrol are all signed up to attend.

WHAT: Fourth Annual Cherokee County Sheriff's Office Ride for the Relay

WHEN: April 26. Registration starts at 9 a.m. The 80-mile ride starts at 10 a.m.

WHERE: Starts at the Broad River Electric Co-Op building, Hwy. 29 South

WHY: All proceeds go to cancer research

WHAT IF: A rain date is set for May 10

HOW MUCH: $25 includes entry fee, meal, T-shirt and door prize eligibility. No cost to come out and look at the bikes and classic cars on display.