Bicycling enthusiasts, ranging from novices to experienced riders, were gathered together to take on the challenges of a number of courses during the 30th annual Beauty and the Beast Bicycle Tour Saturday, March 17, at Bullard High School, hosted by Tyler Bicycle Club.

“We were so excited to have the Beauty and the Beast races in Bullard this year,” said Damon Hopkins, event coordinator. “We were fortunate to partner with both Bullard Independent School District and the City of Bullard, and we’re very thankful to Bullard ISD Superintendent Todd Schneider and City Manager Jay Abercrombie for allowing us to come in and have a great event. The weather turned out to be perfect today; it was probably the best weather for a bicycle race you could ever have.”

Based on registration for the event, the race brought out over 550 cyclists racing along a total of five trails ranging from 25 miles to 61 miles, allowing for bikers to compete on paths for riders of all experience levels.

The trials also feature the hardest part of the competition, adequately named “The Beast,” located near the intersection of Highway 69 and County Road 177 in Mount Selman.

“In bicycling, trails are categorized based on their steepness and length,” said Hopkins. “The Beast part of the Beauty and the Beast Bicycle Tour starts off at around seven percent, and will go up to as high as 13 or 14 percent. Our cyclists always have a great challenge ahead of them when they take to these courses. The Beast is climbed with about 6 ½ miles left in the race; it’s hard to get up the Beast, but it’s all downhill afterwards.”

With the various courses designed to allow riders of all ages and abilities to participate in the event, Hopkins said the event allows any who wants to compete to join in on the cycling fun.

“We have everyone coming out on different kinds of bikes coming out to challenge themselves to get up The Beast,” said Hopkins. “We have those who may not be that experienced come out and try the 25 miles route, as well as those who are experienced and finish the 60 mile route in less than three hours. This event shows off the diversity in our club, but allows everyone to compete and participate.”

Before racers took off down the trails of the 30th annual Beauty and the Beast Bicycle Tour, a special announcement was made by Tyler Bicycle Club and Tyler Junior College, detailing the effort of the 2018 TJC Promise Partners, including an anonymous gift, Express Personnel, RW Fair Foundation, HGR General Contractors, and WorkHub/Lisa and Michael Lujan.

Together, the 2018 TJC Promise Partners have made a combined gift of over $600,000 to the TJC Promise, an earned scholarship for high school graduates in the TJC taxing district, representing an initial group of major contributors coming together to challenge the Tyler business community to give in support of the TJC Promise.

In addition, proceeds from the 30th annual Beauty and the Beast Bicycle Tour also benefited the TJC Promise.

According to information on TJC’s website, the TJC Promise Scholarship covers tuition and fees for qualified students for two years, beginning in 2020.

Students receiving the scholarship commit to becoming a TJC Promise scholar during your freshman year in high school, sign a Promise Agreement, earn a minimum grade-point average in all high school work while keeping an excellent attendance record, helping others by completing community service hours each year, and graduate from high school with a guaranteed scholarship to TJC.

The TJC Promise Partner challenge will officially be launched at a business luncheon scheduled for Monday, April 9, 2018 at TJC. Contact the TJC Foundation at (903) 510-2034 for details.

Sponsors for this year’s Beauty and the Beast event included Tyler Bicycle Club, TJC Promise, The Pickle Juice Company, Brookshire’s Grocery Company, Cycology Bike Co., Simpson’s Fitness and Adventure Sports, iTri 365 Timing and Event Productions, The Watchmaker, Wagner Cadillac, LeadDog Digital, Elite Bicycles – Tyler, Whataburger, Dairy Queen, 106.5 JACK FM, Pie Five Pizza Co., Paradigm Home Care, Pine Creek Dental, Tyler Complete Care, Threlkeld Company Insurance.

The Tyler Bicycle Club promotes cycling in Tyler and across East Texas with the primary focus of the club being on recreational riding on a weekly basis, including touring, road and mountain bike rides.

The Tyler Bicycle Club is comprised of cycling enthusiasts and volunteers who support the cycling community. Club members are eager to help new riders experience the joys of bicycling in our community. Visitors are always welcome on our weekly rides.

“We love to ride our bikes and to help our fellow members become better cyclists,” said Hopkins. “We also love to give back to our community, which is why we decided to partner with the TJC Promise for this year’s event. We love being proactive and working together to make our club and community better. Bicycling is very popular now here in East Texas, and it’s alive and well. We’re like a big family who loves to ride their bikes.”

According to Hopkins, plans are already in the works for planning of the 31st annual Beauty and the Beast Bicycle Tour, scheduled for 2019.Read more at:http://www.sheindressau.com/grey-bridesmaid-dresses | http://www.sheindressau.com/one-shoulder-bridesmaid-dresses