On Saturday, Aug. 18 over 250 cyclists from all over S.C., N.C., Ga. and a few from the other side of the country will gather to mark the Seventh annual Flight of the Dove cycling event to benefit Hospice of Laurens County.

As with any fund raising event, your goal is to raise funds and awareness for your cause.

Being so, each year, the Flight of the Dove planning committee hopes for a record number of participants and proceeds to benefit our hospice.

Of course, this year is no different; but in addition, we want this year to be extraordinary.

Hospice of Laurens County wants it to be a community event and to showcase the county.

“Our hope is that Flight of the Dove will be beneficial for Hospice of Laurens County but also for our entire county,” said director Linda Brown.

Many local businesses and organizations have partnered, sponsored or offered special discounts to riders of the event to welcome visitors to ride, stay and enjoy our beautiful county and all it has to offer.

This year will be particularly special; FOTD has been chosen to be a Signature ride for the Ride2Recovery South East Organization.

This organization benefits Mental and Physical Rehabilitation programs for our country’s wounded veterans that feature cycling as the core activity. I

f you would like to help with this effort, rider sponsorship is available for $30 and will cover the rider’s entry fee.

Registration is available online: www.hospiceoflaurenscounty.com or www.active.com.

You can register online or print a registration to mail in. Pre-registration is $30, same-day registration is $35.

All pre-registered riders by Aug. 1 receive a T-shirt.

Registration opens the morning of the ride at 7 a.m. and all rides begin at 8 a.m.

There are several options to ride: Metric Century, 50-mile (shortcut off the Metric Century), 30-mile or leisure ride (10-15 mile ride).

Each ride features frequent and well stocked rest stops along with wonderful SAG volunteers to keep everyone safe.

All riders 15 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

All riders must wear a helmet.

If you would like to be a part of this event through sponsorship, volunteering, donation, etc., please contact Billy Pitts, 864-833-6287.