Jalapeno 100 bike tour set for Feb. 25

By TRAVIS M. WHITEHEAD Staff Writer   –   Valley Morning Star

HARLINGEN, TEXAS — It’s that time again.

Time for a hot ride through the city with the Jalapeno 100.

Almost 400 riders have registered for the event scheduled for Feb. 25, said Ana Adame, co-director of the event.

“Everything is going pretty smooth,” said Adame, director of operations for Bicycle World RGV which is sponsoring and organizing the ride, now in its 27th year. Last year about 800 cyclists participated in the fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Harlingen.

“We believe in them and the work they do,” Adame said. “The people that come out of there become successful citizens and well-rounded adults. It’s a great community event.”

Adame said the oldest rider to register so far is in his 80s. She wasn’t sure about the youngest rider this year.

“The youngest that I can remember we had was 8 years old,” she said. Basically, anyone who can ride a bicycle can sign up. All it costs is $43 for all participants.

The first 500 to register will receive an event T-shirt, a finishing medal and a post-ride dinner.

“We’ve got bicyclists from Laredo, Corpus Christi, San Antonio and Austin,” she said. “We have a lot of Winter Texans as well as dedicated locals.”

Numerous organizations participate in the event each year, Adame said. The band and color guard from Marine Military Academy welcome the riders. Volunteers cheer them along their routes.

The Jalapeno 100 isn’t a race, it’s a ride for everyone to enjoy with other cyclists as well as to get some exercise. It’s part of many events throughout the year, and this year Bicycle World is having the first Chili Piquin 5K Walk/Run and 10K. The run will take place Feb. 26, the day after Jalapeno 100, but it is completely separate.

The race will also begin at 7:30 a.m. at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Harlingen. Registration is $25.

For more information about either of these events, call Bicycle World RGV at 956-423-3168.

If You Go

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 25, 7:30 a.m.

WHERE: The ride begins and ends at Boys and Girls Club of Harlingen, 1209 W. Washington

REGISTRATION FEE: $43

WHERE TO REGISTER: Cyclists can register at any of the three Bicycle Worlds, Harlingen, 1113 S. 77 Sunshine Strip, Brownsville, 1275 N. Expressway 83

Online at athleteguild.com, jalapeno100.com

more information: 956-423-3168 or at jalapeno100.com