DOTHAN (May 15, 2019) – The 17th Annual TriStates 100 Tour of Miracles bicycle ride is scheduled for Sat., June 1. The ride is part of the Alabama Backroads Century Series and is the only ride in the area that rolls through three states. Cyclists will begin at Bethel Baptist Church (3257 E. Cottonwood Road, Dothan, AL 36303) and continue on a 103-mile course through Alabama, Georgia and Florida.
Riders may also opt to participate in 28, 42 and 63-mile courses that cover a scenic route through southeast Alabama. Registration is available online at www.tristates100.com. Race registration will also be available at the Courtyard by Marriott (3040 Ross Clark Cir, Dothan, AL 36301) on Thurs., May 30 from 4:30 – 7:00 p.m. and Fri., May 31 from 4 – 8 p.m. The Courtyard will also have a block of rooms available for cyclists to reserve. Day-of registration will begin at 5:30 a.m. at Bethel Baptist Church.
Proceeds from the bike ride benefit the Dawn Pitchford Fund at Children’s of Alabama, the state’s only freestanding pediatric hospital. This fund benefits the Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children’s, where 95 percent of children in Alabama diagnosed with cancer or serious blood disorders are treated. Last year, families in the Wiregrass region made more than 10,260 visits to Children’s for a variety of injuries and illnesses.
The fund was created in memory of Dawn Pitchford, who was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia at age 14 and treated at Children’s. Throughout her treatment, she noticed that other patients did not have simple comforts like stuffed animals, flowers, pajamas and headwraps. Instead of spending the money people sent on her, Dawn used it to help other patients in need.
The TriStates 100 carries on Dawn’s selflessness through the annual bike ride. Last year, the TriStates 100 raised more than $30,000 for the fund at Children’s. Additional information about the series is available at www.alabama-backroads-cycling.com or by contacting Joe Varner at joe.varner@oncologysupply.com
Since 1911, Children’s of Alabama has provided specialized medical care for ill and injured children, offering inpatient and outpatient services throughout central Alabama. Ranked among the best pediatric medical centers in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, Children’s provided care for youngsters from every county in Alabama, 42 other states and seven foreign countries last year, representing more than 677,000 outpatient visits and more than 15,000 inpatient admissions. With more than 2 million square feet, Children’s is one of the largest pediatric medical facilities in the United States. More information is available at childrensal.org.
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