HomeHistory of Tour de Blueberry
📅 History of the Cape Fear Cyclists’ “Tour de Blueberry”
Celebrating over 15 years of cycling tradition
2009 – The Beginning
The first “Tour de Blueberry” was held June 21, 2009 as a merge of two rides:
- Terry Benjey’s “Longest Day Ride” at Pender Memorial Park
- CFC’s family ride from the NC Blueberry Festival in Burgaw (2006–2008)
In 2008, CFC had tried a competitive criterium, but it failed financially. So organizers Terry Benjey, Tom Armor and Al Schroetel pivoted in 2009 to a non‑competitive ride with 12–40 mile options.
2009 Highlights:
- $15/$20 fee covered T‑shirts & insurance via LAB
- Burgaw provided signs, shirts, posters & police escort
- Approximately 60 riders participated
2010 – Growth Starts
The Fun Ride and Tour ran separately but both started at Pender Memorial Park.
2010 Highlights:
- 104 riders; first non‑locals (Raleigh, Durham, PA)
- Maintained $15 fee, with home‑club $10 discount
- Wilmington Ortho (EmergeOrtho) and Pepperidge Farm sponsored
- “Longest Day” continued with no fee but shared T‑shirts
2011 – Consolidation
Fun Ride integrated into the main event; Craig Mann joined the management team.
2011 Highlights:
- 150+ participants; increasing out‑of‑state attendance
- “Tour” and “Longest Day” separated for clarity
2012–2013 – Riding Higher
CFC strengthened fundraising and expanded impact.
2012:
- 200+ riders
- $2,000 donated to Pender Parks & Rec, SECU Family House, West Pender Rail Trail Alliance
2013:
- 250+ riders
- $3,000 donated to Pender Parks, SECU Family House, Oak Island Warrior Ride, Murray Middle bike rack, Dixie Youth Club
2014–2015 – Growing Logistics
Event outgrew the park location; moved to Burgaw Middle School in 2015 for better amenities.
2014:
- 300+ riders
- $5,600 donated to recipients including Terry Benjey Foundation & East Coast Greenway
2015:
- New school venue with cafeteria & parking; added Porta‑Potties & food truck (PT’s Grille)
- $4,150 donated to Burgaw MS, nonprofits, UNCW Blueberry Festival Scholarship
2016–2017 – Media & Communication Upgrades
Jack Little took over; communication and registration improved.
2016:
- ~500 riders; two food trucks added; Hampstead Hams supported comms
- ClubExpress online registration; $35/$40 fee; $8,000 donated
2017:
- 510 pre‑registered, 130 on‑site; two food trucks; rainy but vibrant event
- $7,000 donated
2018–2019 – Anniversary & Diversification
Turned 10th annual and diversified amenities.
2018:
- 503 pre‑registrations; additional food truck & raffle bike; sock fundraiser
- $15,400 donated
2019:
- 441 riders; new food trucks including Kona Ice; Switchin’ Gears provided bike tech
- $8,000+ donated
2020–2021 – Pandemic Pivot & Hybrid Model
2020:
- No event due to COVID-19 and Festival cancelation.
2021:
- Virtual Challenge + Zwift + limited in-person (250 riders); 312 total participation
- $5,836 donated to scholarship, Burgaw MS, Terry Benjey Foundation, Switchin’ Gears
2022–2024 – Record Attendance & Amenities
2022:
- 633 participants; virtual challenge (17); 616 in-person
- Multiple food trucks; Hampstead Hams; $16,313 net donated to multiple recipients
2023:
- 613 riders; $24,024 gross / $15,700 donated; enhanced aid‑station logistics by Hamstead Hams
2024:
- 553 riders (145 CFC); $44,665 gross; $14,500 donated
- Packet pickup at Waterman’s Brewing & day-of; CFC perks: separate line, breakfast, raffle, group photo, free blueberries
- Bike tech by non-profits; massage, SAG support, no rest stop shortages
Special attention to rider experience and club engagement made 2024 a standout year.
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