The Governor’s Autumn Bicycle Ride Across Kentucky (GABRAKY) is a 4-day event this year that teams up with State Parks to offer a unique tour on some of the most scenic back roads in the state. GABRAKY is an annual fundraiser for the downtown Grand Theatre, a 428-seat community arts center entirely staffed by volunteers. A portion of the proceeds will go to WalkBike Frankfort, a group helping build bicycle-pedestrian paths in the capital city.
The ninth annual event will be Thursday through Sunday, October 4-7, and each day’s distance is approximately 60 miles. Cyclists have an option of riding all four days, Friday through Sunday, or Thursday only.
The first day starts at General Butler State Resort Park in Carrollton, near the Ohio River, at the Kentucky-Ohio border. When riders reach Point Park they’ll dip their back tires in the river, and the day’s ride ends in downtown Frankfort, the state capital, at the Lieutenant Governor’s Mansion.
After starting Day 2 at the downtown Grand Theatre, cyclists quickly arrive at the State Capitol for a brief ceremony with Gov. Steve Beshear and First Lady Jane Beshear hopefully in attendance. Lunch is at Taylorsville Lake State Park and Friday’s ride finishes at My Old Kentucky Home State Park in Bardstown.
The third day starts at My Old Kentucky Home and concludes at Green River Lake State Park near Campbellsville.
The final day starts at the lake campgrounds and ends in Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park at the Kentucky-Tennessee border. Sunday’s brunch stop will be at Columbia’s Lindsey Wilson College, a major supporter of GABRAKY every year.
Fees have been lowered this year and are $125 for all four days; $100 for three days; and $40 for Day 1 only. Fees include mechanical support, gear transport, refreshments and water at all rest stops, a Thursday afternoon reception at the Lt. Governor’s Mansion, and Sunday brunch at Lindsey Wilson College cafeteria.
Reduced-rate camping and lodging are available at state parks along the route. Camping rates are $5 per person at Elkhorn Campgrounds near Frankfort, and My Old Kentucky Home State Park; and $10 per tent at Green River Lake State Park. Lodging at General Butler State Resort Park and Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park is available for $54.95 plus tax per night. Catered meals and box lunch will be provided at state parks for additional fees.
The 2012 ride is limited to 100 cyclists.
Registration form and details will be available by March 1. For more information, contact co-chairs Angela Mitchell, angela.mitchell@fewpb.net or Charlie Pearl, charlie.pearl@fewpb.net; or call Teresa Stivers at 502-226-4157.
Posted by Phil Coleman 
