Family-fun event to take place June 24, 2017

(Knoxville, TN) Wednesday, March 15, 2017 — The American Red Cross of East Tennessee today announced Pedal for the Red, a fun, friendly, bicycle ride to support the lifesaving work of the American Red Cross. In partnership with Visit Knoxville and USA Cycling, Pedal for the Red will kick off a major cycling weekend in Knoxville, as the 2017 USA Cycling Pro Road and Time Trial Championships take place on June 24-25.

Pedal for the Red, presented by Phillips & Jordan, will provide amateur bicycle riders the unique opportunity to ride the same closed time trial course that will be used by the top professional cyclists in the USA Pro National Time Trials. The 4.8 mile course will start in the Old City and includes a stretch down Neyland Drive. Following the ride, participants will be in position to watch the start of the National Time Trials, where the best cyclists in the country compete for the national championship.

“The inspiration for Pedal for the Red came from the late Sam Beall,” said Joe Thompson, Red Cross Board member. “Sam loved cycling, and wanted to see the sport grow in East Tennessee. He especially enjoyed seeing young people and families participate in adventures like this together, so the idea for a family friendly community ride started during my conversations with him.”

Riders can participate in this exciting weekend and support the humanitarian relief work of American Red Cross at the same time. It’s a feel good ride, for a great humanitarian cause

Riders and spectators of Pedal for the Red can make a valuable contribution to the American Red Cross through Pedal for the Red, Peer-to-Peer Fundraising. One hundred percent of the funds raised through peer-to-peer will go directly to the American Red Cross of East Tennessee.

“We know how deeply committed the Red Cross and its volunteers are to serving our region whenever we need them,” says Christy Phillips, Chair of Pedal for the Red. “This is an exciting opportunity to come together as a community, have fun with family and friends and support the work of the American Red Cross in East Tennessee.”

This first Pedal for the Red marks the centennial (1917 – 2017) of the American Red Cross in Tennessee.

For information visit: pedalforthered.org and www.visitknoxville.com/usa-cycle-knox/pedal-red/ or contact Melissa Sykes at Melissa.sykes@redcross.org.