Pecan City Pedalers conduct 13th annual Nut Roll in Albany

ALBANY — More than 300 bicyclists wheeled out of Chehaw park early Saturday as the Pecan City Pedalers conducted the group’s 13th annual Nut Roll in Albany.

In the all-day fun-filled event, riders could choose from four different ride options of 32-, 49-, 65- or 104-mile loops that would take the biking enthusiasts through the scenic countryside of Southwest Georgia.

Participants began gathering at Chehaw Park around 6:30 a.m., donning riding apparel and making sure their equipment was in proper working order before taking to the roadways at 7:30 a.m.

According to event officials, proceeds from Saturday’s ride will go to benefit Chehaw Park.

“This is a natural jewel for our area,” event coordinator Richard Thompson said while addressing riders at the start of the marathon ride. “For the last 13 years of record we have given the proceeds to Chehaw. When you are coming in and when you are coming back, please look at the different things that we have been able to accomplish.

“There is an entire mountain bike area behind you as you are coming in to the right. We have been able to create 12 miles of competitive track which is fast and flat for the dirt if you are interested.”

Thompson pointed to other accomplishments that the annual event has helped with, including some that don’t involve bikes.

“We have helped BMX to re-configure their course and the building which is the concession area,” he said. “We have helped with the kayak program down at the water at the Muckalee. We have helped the zoo area and we have helped with the music equipment in the children’s park, not to mention several other structural things that enhance the park’s value.”

According to Nut Roll Director Sharon Thompson, the sunny weather Saturday was perfect for the event, unlike last year’s rain.

“We are so glad that the weather co-operated with us this year,” said Thompson. “Last year, the bottom just fell out on the riders.”

The annual Nut Roll fundraiser has raised a significant amount of funds over the last 13 years to help benefit the park, according to Pecan City Pedaler vice president Rachelle Bitterman.

“A good portion of the proceeds from this particular event goes back into Chehaw,” said Bitterman. “Over the past 13 years, we have given Chehaw around $30,000.

“We also use a part of our proceeds for bicycle advocacy. We’ve worked with the Boys and Girls Club some this year. We have bought them helmets and different things for there bikes and are helping them learn bicycle safety.”