United Way of Gordon has set the Third Annual U-Ride for Saturday, March 27, beginning at 9 a.m. at the Calhoun Depot. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m..

Bicycle riders from all over North Georgia will register for one of the three routes 14, 35, or 65 miles. After dealing with the bad weather last year, the U-Ride has a rain make-up day scheduled for Sunday, March 28, beginning at 12:30 p.m.

In spite of the bad weather, last year’s ride was a successful event. Sixty-eight riders enjoyed the beautiful Gordon County countryside. Gordon County has become well known as a great riding location.

The Cherokee Capital Amateur Radio Society will be providing technical assistance for the riders on all three routes. Club members, with their radios, will be stationed in strategic locations, so riders will always have someone close by to assist if necessary. Covering more than 65 miles in Gordon County at times without cell phone access can result in problems. With the radio capability of the club, no area will be out of reach.

The Emergency Management Mobile Command Post will be stationed in the parking lot of the Depot to provide constant contact with club members and law enforcement both city and county.

In addition to the Radio Club, five rest stops are planned along the routes. Girl Scouts from Troop 7097, Troop 7205, Troop 7234, and Boy Scout Troop 22 will be assisting riders with water, Gatorade, bananas, and other high-energy foods at these locations along all three routes.

Registration at the Depot will be handled by United Way Board members. United Way Agencies will be assisting riders as they arrive and throughout the day. Lunch for the riders will begin very early with the 14-mile riders being the first to return to the Depot around 10:30 a.m.

Online registration is available through www.active.com., thanks to the continued partnership with the Calhoun Cycling Club. Registration is also available at the Depot. Registration forms are also available at www.gordoncountyunitedway.org.

Sponsoring the event this year: Associates in Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, Ava Roland, Bode Spence, Boy Scout Troop 22, Calhoun Cycling Club, Calhoun Gordon Convention and Visitors Bureau, Calhoun Times, Cherokee Capital Amateur Radio Society, Cherokee Cycles, City of Calhoun Police Department, Dr. and Mrs. Steve King, Drs. Jen and Jason Crane, Fitness First of Calhoun, Friends of the GEM, Girl Scout Troop 7097, Girl Scout Troop 7205, Girl Scout Troop 7234, Gordon Emergency Management, Gordon County Sheriff’s Department, Gordon Hospital, Harris Art Center, Jack’s Movie’s and More, John Anderson Service Co., Lakelin Hall, M&S Logistics, North Georgia National Bank, Northwest Georgia Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, River Hall, Wal-Mart, WEBS, and WJTH.

The U-Ride Committee, made up of interested citizens and United Way Board members, has been preparing for several months for this event. Each rider will receive the Third Annual U-Ride T-shirt, designed by Julie Anderson of Mohawk; a fully sagged course; snacks and lunch. Entertainment throughout the day will be provided by DJ Trey Pierson.

Proceeds are used support the 19 United Way agencies working right here in Gordon County. If you are not a bicycle rider come and join the festivities as the riders leave the Depot at 9 a.m. For more information contact Vickie Spence, Executive Director United Way of Gordon County 706-602-5548, email vspence@gordoncountyuitedway.org or go on-line at www.calhouncycling.org.