Cyclists return to Northeast Georgia for Twin Rivers Challenge 

On a breathtakingly beautiful autumn day, cyclists from across the Southeast took on the eighth annual Twin Rivers Challenge, hosted by Tallulah Falls School (TFS), reports E. Lane Gresham, Director of Communications and Media at TFS.  Held on October 22, 2022, the event proved to be a draw for local and visiting riders, adding more than $90,000 to the school’s scholarship fund.  “This is such a great event for our school and the cycling community. More than 170 corporations, organizations, and individuals responded to the call to support TFS students,” said President and Head of School Larry A. Peevy.  “While it is a fundraiser for student scholarships, it has also become quite a draw for cyclists across the region.”  Ron Cantrell Construction, Inc. covered all expenses, returning as the presenting sponsor, and Springer Mountain Farms sponsored the post-ride meal.  “This strong partnership with RCCI and Springer Mountain Farms allows all other sponsorships and rider registration fees to benefit our students directly,” Peevy said. “Our volunteer scholarship committee shared the TFS story with the community – these passionate ambassadors coordinated the fundraising effort; we are grateful.”  Beyond the fundraising goal, hosting a positive experience for the riders is a top priority, said Executive Director of Advancement Sonya Smith. “This year, the weather cooperated beautifully, making it a great day for everyone,” Smith said.  Repeat riders are a hallmark of this event, with some cyclists having perfect attendance for all eight years.  Scenic views, friendly people, and the various routes – 25 miles, 46 miles, and 70 miles – are some of the repeated comments on the post-ride survey.  The scholarship committee chairperson for the event, Judy Forbes provides community connections to help raise funds.  Forbes, a TFS board member, also serves in a support role for one of the four Support and Gear Stops located along the routes.  “With the Twin Rivers Challenge, each year shows more and more community support for our wonderful students and the scholarship program,” Forbes said. “This year, we were blessed with beautiful weather, a glorious showing of fall leaf colors, and a tremendous turnout of volunteers. It truly was a great day for a bike ride! Many, many thanks go out to our presenting sponsor, Ron Cantrell, and the large number of sponsors who make this event so worthwhile.”