Nov 17th, 2015
The proceeds from the 14th Annual Bagels and Bluegrass Bicycle Century Tour were presented in a special ceremony at Jackson State Community College.
A check for $2,300 was presented to Dr. Bruce Blanding, JSCC President, by Dr. Kent Jones, retired surgeon with The Jackson Clinic. This money will be used to fund scholarships for non-traditional students. Since its inception, the Tour has raised $34,350 for West Tennessee students.
"Events like Bagels and Bluegrass are so important because now, more students will be able to get the help they need to attend Jackson State and we are so grateful for that," said Dr. Bruce Blanding.
Checks in the amount of $300 each also went to Pinson Mounds State Park and Friends of Chickasaw State Park. Bagels and Bluegrass event organizers say the parks are an important part of the ride.
"We are so appreciative of all the support received from the sponsors of this event," said Dr. Kent Jones, chairman and founder of the Bagels and Bluegrass Bicycle Century Tour. "We couldn't have done this without the support of our contributors, sponsors and partners." Dr. Jones, an avid cyclist, founded this event based on his enthusiasm for the sport and his love of nature. He saw this as a way to support the state park system and to also create scholarships for individuals who have a real need.
Bagels and Bluegrass is a one-day cycling event with routes in varying lengths from 14 to 100 miles. The ride features Pinson Mounds State Archaeological Area and Chickasaw State Park and miles of scenic roads. The 100 mile route has a total climb of greater than 7,000 feet.
The fourteenth Annual Bagels and Bluegrass event attracted more than 100 cyclists. Next year's event is tentatively scheduled for October 15, 2016 at Jackson State Community College.
For more information on the Bagels and Bluegrass Bicycle Century Tour, go to the website at www.bagelsandbluegrass.tn.org.