As community members – there have been many limitations over the past 15 months placed upon us. The Lewisville-Clemmons Chamber of Commerce wasn’t sure what the shape of their bike event, the Tour of Lewisville (TOL), would be as the planning began. They held virtual meetings with the exception of the last as restrictions were being lifted. Initially prepared for a staggered start, riders were pleasantly surprised to kick begin together, all while being encouraged, along with staff and volunteers, to “Know your W’s” (wear a mask, wait six feet apart, and wash your hands).
Tour of Lewisville started as simply an idea that came from Meika Imes,
Community & Member Relations Manager for the chamber. She contacted her friend Garry Steele, who launched the Tour of Farmington bike event in 2009 in Davie County. Learning how that event operated, the brainstorming began, and Imes thought a bike event would be perfect in Lewisville. Imes says, “The town is beautiful and already full of enthusiastic riders.” They presented the idea to the Lewisville-Clemmons Chamber of Commerce Board and Lewisville Mayor Mike Horn. Everyone was excited to see this event take place.
On May 22nd, the first Tour of Lewisville was underway, with many excited bike riders as well as supporters, staff, and volunteers. Cyclists chose either a 15-mike, 30-mile, or 60-mile route. The adventure took them through beautiful terrain and around the town with spectacular hilltop and waterfront views. Participants received lunch, t-shirts, and swag bags. “To say this event was a success would be an understatement!” said Ditra Miller, CEO of the Lewisville-Clemmons Chamber of Commerce. “The sea of riders cycling through the starting archway at Shallowford Square was a sight to behold. It gave me butterflies to see hundreds of people come together in this way – happy, energized, and supportive.”
The planning committee consisted of members of the chamber and others in the business community, including Meika Imes, Mike Campbell, Mike Cadiente, Donna Ivey, Jennifer Hill, Tamika Wells, Sheila Gonzalez, Travis Beane, and Garry Steele. TRU Taekwondo Center staff and families, Kristin Johnson with the Historic Broyhill, and others volunteered on event day to set up rest stops, help with registration, serve lunch, and clean up the square.
Their hard work, coupled with the support of the sponsors, made this event possible. Platinum sponsors for the event were the Clemmons Bicycle, Forsyth Magazines, East Coast Wings & Grill Clemmons, Busted Barrel Cocktail Bar at Old Nick Williams Company Farm and Distillery, Winston-Salem Christian School, Parrish Tire & Automotive. Gold sponsors were Lewisville Family Counseling, Bermuda Run Country Club, Chick-fil-A Peace Haven, 2:AM Photography, Allegacy, TRU Taekwondo, HanesBrands, and the Clemmons Courier. Silver Sponsors were Habitat ReStore Lewisville, Old Nick’s Pub, Rachel Abbott State Farm, WN Ireland Insurance, Truist, Garner Foods, Baked Just So, Lewisville United Methodist Church, and Health Matters, PLLC. Each sponsor provided a unique contribution to help make the bike event a huge success. Chick-Fil-A Peace Haven provided lunch for the riders and volunteers, and DJ Ed Dean with DJD Music provided sound.
Imes adds, “Thank you to everyone that made Tour of Lewisville 2021 a success, and we look forward to next year!” Be sure to save the date next year for the 2nd annual Tour of Lewisville on May 21, 2022.
For information about TOL or any chamber event please call 336.970.5100, visit their website lewisville-clemmons.com, or email meika@lewisville-clemmons.com
