A note from Kim Perry, Executive Director of the Bike Virginia non-profit about the upcoming 2015 Tour in June.
The 2015 tour will mark my 8th year with the organization and also is a special year because we return to the very first site (Abingdon/Kingsport) where I saw the Bike Virginia Tour in action. I was hired in April 2008, and the event was in June so all the planning was in place, my job that year was to observe and learn. It was a bit like drinking from a fire hose!
Now, as the event approaches I begin looking forward to seeing my friends, those that ride and those that volunteer. It’s a once a year reunion for many of us. It’s fun to catch up and see what people have been up to. I’m looking forward to seeing big smiles and hearing about stories of winter past from Hank, Danny, Paula, Brett, Dennis, Jarla, Penelope, Martha, Gayle, Charlie, Michelle, the massage crew, Deanna, and so many more of you. I also look forward to working side by side with my Mom, it’s the one time of year we work together as she volunteers for us. You truly are why our staff work so hard to make the event fun. 
The region holds a special place in my heart too. Returning to far southwest Virginia for a week of exploration is a real treat. I grew up in the New River Valley and coming back to the western end of the state is always special. I love the misty mountains in the morning and the fresh air in the river valleys. It’s truly special to me.
The 2015 event has some other great highlights that have me particularly excited. The two headquarters locations are going to be a real treat, from both rider and staff perspective. The 4H Center is a really lovely farm with swimming pool, several large buildings, ropes course, horseback riding and a nice view. It will be a great place to host our guests. Check out the video on the right, it’s a really nice aerial clip.
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The second location is at a private mansion turned park in Kingsport. The site is gorgeous. There is a duck pond, lots of shade and this really welcoming vibe. I’m excited to move there on Monday of the tour and kick off the second 3 days. See the clip on the right.
The sights of the region are so amazing. I’m stoked to be able to visit the state parks, and old mills, and winding roads that lead to little church rest stops. There’s so much to see and the hospitality is warm and inviting.
I’m also very excited to meet George Hincapie on Saturday night. One of my most admired qualities in a person is dedication. There is no doubt about it, George has been incredibly dedicated and serious about his long cycling career. And to think all those accomplishments and he’s about my age!
This year I’ve been working with a new group, Black Girls Do Bike (BGDB). I’m so excited to see what they are doing to help encourage women of all ages to ride. This will be my first opportunity to meet up with their founder Monica, and some of the members. I’m looking forward to working with one of our long time Bike Virginia riders, Tonya, to host these dynamic ladies for some fun on the bike.
One of my other favorite parts about the 2o15 event is the new Food Truck Fiesta. Did you know I love Thai food? I do! For those of you that know me, you know I have food allergies. Many times I have to skip the meals because of conflicts with my immune system. This year our variety of food vendors means I have choices about what and when I eat. I’m looking forward to being able to dine and mingle with you as we enjoy lunch. You have no idea how hard it is to carry my own prepared food for the week. Boy is it going to be nice to eat some Curry from the Thai vendor!
Most of all though, I look forward to going home at the end of very 6 days knowing you had fun. I remember the smiles and the thank yous and love the fact that we have given you a vacation to remember.
Hope to see you in June, it’s going to be so much fun.
Kim