By Andy Ann
The city of Walterboro hosted the unique cyclist social festival event called FestiVELO XXV Wednesday through Sunday, Nov. 9-13. FestiVELO is an annual event where cyclists can choose between 20-30 miles, 55-65 miles, or 95–105 mile routes throughout the Lowcountry. The riders covered up to 400 miles of casual riding over the course of the four days. The riders were able to pick and choose the days and distances. This year there were approximately 300 participants nationally and internationally.
The participants were provided breakfast, lunch, and themed dinners daily during their stay. On “Wednesday Wined Down” wine and cheese were offered; Thursday had a “Chocolate Obsession Garden”, Friday and Saturday were an oyster roast, with live music on Friday, and a popular DJ on Saturday.
Riders stay within local accommodations or set up camp within walking distance of the event center. First Baptist Church provided space for outdoor camping and the county offered the use of the local Civic Center for indoor camping for two nights during the tropical storm Nicole. The FestiVELO event itself was housed at Colleton County Museum and Farmers Market downtown.
Historically, the bike event started out as a small group of friends who wanted to work off some extra calories from a holiday meal and the first ride took place Thanksgiving weekend in 1998 in the Charleston area. The following year, the ride was called “Pedal for the Pooches” to benefit the SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) and was a one-day event on John’s Island.
The group continued to grow and developed a mission to support various bicycle causes. It also underwent several name changes along with locations throughout the greater Charleston area. In 2004, the group began to use “FestiVELO” within its name. “FestiVELO” is a merge of “festival” and “VELO” which means bicycle in French. Since then, the event has hosted participants from 34 states and eight foreign countries.
The founder of FestiVELO, Charles Fox, is a passionate bike rider who seeks out events that provide opportunities to meet new friends and offer experiences that bring enjoyment to those who participate. The entire Fox family, who owns Fox Music Company, has been directly involved with the event each year, volunteering an untold number of hours. The event has expanded over 25 years to include over 100 leaders and countless volunteers. An event of this scale has attracted a wide variety of talented volunteers that have really given the event momentum as it continues to flourish each year. New volunteers are always welcome to join to help as well.
David Cole, who helps with organization, management, and app development for the event specified that currently, the cycling event appeals to mostly those between the ages of 30 through the late 70s. Cole mentioned that it is unusual because it is a four-day event that starts and finishes in Walterboro. Riders can come to one place, which gives them a better chance to get to know other riders and make new friends.
The areas that are covered by the riders include the northeast towards Round O on Thursday, west across Highway 21 on Friday, south down to Bennett’s Point on Saturday, and up to Saint George on Sunday to do loops throughout the countryside while visiting some of the historical places around there and back.
Walterboro is a destination prized for its flat scenic terrain and rich historical-artistic cultural center. The flat terrain is desirable for achieving faster times and greater distances for cycling goals. Riders of a wide range of abilities and skill levels participate in the cycling event.
Cole also stated that cycling has a unique appeal, especially road cycling. This event is attractive to people that are all sizes and abilities. In 1998, he was diagnosed with a kidney disease that later led to a transplant in 2001. After standard recovery, he was able to return to cycling with ease and has continued to be an avid rider since. He also considers himself a late bloomer as an athlete. He was 40 pounds heavier in high school and college. He lost some weight while running and playing volleyball. Later he blew his knee out while playing volleyball, took up cycling instead, and has never looked back.
Cole emphasized that “If someone is considering what they can do to enhance their life, something that would give them exercise and get them outdoors and meet new friends. Then cycling is a good outlet for that. The FestiVELO is a really good event for that.” He also stated that it is also encouraged to use electronic bikes for those that feel more comfortable. Anyone can participate as a cyclist, and one does not have to be super fit or athletic to enjoy the sport.
The FestiVELO is a welcomed event that has come to Walterboro annually since 2016. Often the participants will visit restaurants, shops, and other local points of interest. Cole stated how “Walterboro has really embraced us, and we have embraced Walterboro.” Cole also said, “It’s like home for us and we like being right here in the ‘Front Porch of the Lowcountry’. It’s great cycling here and it just works quite simply.”
The next FestiVELO event is scheduled for the same week next year. For more information about this event contact Charles Fox at 843-303-3334 or Randall Bennett at 919-608-8626 or visit info@festivelo.org.
