Beginning bright and early at 8am on Saturday, July 20th bicycle riders at all levels will be leaving the starting line at New River Community College for the 7th Annual Wheels of Hope Ride. Celebrate the Year of the Snake on Snake Run Road. Wheels of Hope writes, “In the Year of the Snake you should avoid rattlesnakes, cobras, mambas and other snakes, but not Snake Run Road on which riders will be challenged on the Asp Burner Metric and Snake Run Century at this year’s event. Both courses will tackle this (soon to be famous) climb and challenge you physically.” There are 3 routes to accomodate bicycle riders at all levels, including those of us who don’t exercise on the regular.

“Riders in the 2012 Wheels of Hope Century enjoyed the beautiful scenery of the Greenbrier Valley and the personal challenge of a century ride,” – Peter Lawson, via facebook.

If you have little to no bike ride training, you will feel at ease with the 20-mile ride on Garter Snake. This route is great for families and new riders seeking their first challenge. It’s relaxing and includes several short and steep climbs.

The next route, the 63 mile Asp Burner Metric, will have you riding and climbing through beautiful country roads and mountain vistas.

Lastly, there’s the 106 mile Snake Bite Century. This route traverses Greenbrier, Monroe and Summers counties. It’s extremely challenging with continuous climbs and long fast down hills.

This event officially kicks off with Early Registration on Friday, July 19th at The Irish Pub in downtown Lewisburg from 6-7:30pm. There is a special price on a Snake Bite Shandy (A Snake Bite is a Shandy made with equal parts of lager and cider). If you can’t make it to he pub, registration is still open the morning of the ride from 6:30-7:45am, with 15 minutes to spare until it’s go time.

Breakfast foods such as bagels, The Crazy Baker Granola with yogurt and coffee will be available to all registrants. There are rest stops with food and drinks available on the ride. Registrants are invited to stop by for the Post-Ride Meal & Party between 3-5pm.

“Will be coming from Shepherdstown for this year’s Snake Bite Wheels of Hope. Pretty excited,” – Chris J. via facebook.

If you are not a cyclist, but wish to partake in this event, the Festival of Colors is recommended for you. Go to the starting line at New River Community College before 8am to send off these incredible athletes in a festival of color and cheering. The post-ride celebration is held in the same place from 3-5pm. You’re encouraged to bring chairs, blankets, picnic baskets, an instrument and your voice. Enjoy an afternoon on the lawn with an old-time open jam of music with the help of Karen McKay. Arrive before 3pm, and you’ll be present to clap and holler the tired riders into the finish line.

All net proceeds from the Wheels of Hope Ride benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and Greenbrier Valley residents who are currently fighting cancer. The ride offers some of the most memorable and challenging rides on the East coast. Each year, this event attracts avid riders from as far away as New England and Florida.Many of these riders return to enjoy the beauty and challenge that West Virginia offers.

If you feel like this is a one time event in a group setting, don’t worry. Sign up with the Greenbrier Valley Bicycle Club and you quickly meet riding buddies who will spur you to work harder simply by motivating you to ride along beautiful country roads.

Get started now with Wild & Wonderful West Virginia hospitality by taking a ride on Snake Run Road to celebrate The Year of the Snake! For more information visit: wheelsofhopewv.com. This event is hosted by the Greenbrier Valley Bicycle Club. More info: gvbikeclub.com.