Second annual 'Tour de Peach' planned for September 6

Local residents are encouraged to pull out their bikes and helmets in a few weeks to help support a good cause.

The Robert Allen Group's Gaffney facility will be hosting its second annual Tour de Peach on Sept. 6, with funds from the event going to Relay for Life.

Not your typical fundraiser, the Tour de Peach was brought about as a result of the number of avid cyclists found at The Robert Allen Group's Gaffney office.

"Some of the associates who work here have husbands and wives on bicycling teams in the area," said The Robert Allen Group Director of Manufacturing Billy Richards. "With it being a healthy and fun activity, we felt it would be easy for all to get involved."

Last year's event attracted nearly 100 cyclists from the Upstate in addition to bikers from just across the state line in North Carolina. The tour raised more than $3,000.

According to Michelle Whitson of The Robert Allen Group, expectations are high for this year's version of the event.

"Our goal is to be more successful than last year," Whitson said. "This company

is a big supporter of Relay for Life and we are trying our hardest to help out the best we can."

Organizers estimate that up to 32 riders have registered for the 2008 edition of the Tour de Peach, with approximately $2,200 being donated by sponsors.

Separate routes of 30 and 60 miles have been planned in an effort to cater to the skill level of all riders. Rest areas will also be found along the routes.

Following the Tour, a postride meal will be held at The Robert Allen Group headquarters on Peachview Boulevard. Harlan Thompson of the American Cancer Society is the scheduled speaker.

For the past seven years, The Robert Allen Group has been an active participant in local Relay for Life efforts. The 2007-08 campaign year set many records for the company, with approximately $18,000 raised.

The effort helped move the group into elite company in Cherokee County, as it was recognized as one of the top three fundraisers locally.

"It is so easy to get everyone on board... they give support regardless of whether it's money or time," Whitson said. "I've never worked for a company that comes together for a cause the way they do here.

"We are just hoping more people will get involved to help in raising money to find a cure for cancer."