Oconee Forever’s Rally in the Valley rolls for Conservation

Oconee Forever put on a bicycle ride on Saturday that helped the county with 181 bicyclists participating in the fourth annual Rally in the Valley 2015 event at Oconee’s Calyx Farm. The day started early with 60-mile and 30-mile rides through the rolling hills and valleys of northern Oconee County. After their hard efforts, the riders, their families and other event-goers feasted on family-cooked BBQ and other fresh, healthy sides and desserts. Craft beer from local breweries Thomas Creek and Oskar Blues as well as live music from Soul Stew, the Elastic Waist Band and the Courtaud Band added to the enjoyment. “The number of cyclists was a 30% increase over last year,” said Emily Hitchcock, Oconee Forever volunteer. “That’s after increasing attendance roughly 50% last year.” “The event has attracted participants from outside the area with many riders and their families traveling from Georgia and North Carolina to attend the event,” said Shea Airey, Oconee Forever volunteer. “This year, other participants also arrived from Florida, Maryland, New York, and Idaho. We continue to grow this fun event to showcase the natural resources of Oconee County.” The proceeds from the event support various conservation causes in Oconee County, including the protecting Scenic Highway 11, identifying local spots most worthy of protection, and supporting the Oconee County Conservation Bank. Oconee Forever is an outreach group of Upstate Forever, a regional conservation and preservation non-profit organization.