FAIRHOPE, Ala. — The first annual Tour de Foley bicycle ride came off without a hitch last Saturday, a sparkling sunny fall day with temperatures ranging in the 40s. The city of Foley, the Baldwin County Trailblazers and the Foley Lions Club hosted the event.

Tour organizers Jeff Hudson of Fairhope, Tony Edwards of Bay Minette and Don Lambert of Foley pooled their experiences with similar events to put on three separate rides that offered yclists a choice of routes. The 63-mile ride followed a scenic route through Foley, Summerdale, Robertsdale, Rosinton, Elsanor, Elberta, Miflin and back to the starting point at Foley Heritage Park.

A 24-mile route followed scenic country roads that looped southward through Elberta, Miflin and back north to Foley. The 3-mile Fun Ride around Foley attracted less experienced riders and children.

Participants interviewed as they returned to the registration tent at the Foley park had glowing reports of the beauty of the countryside, the well-spaced rest stops and sag wagon support. The only complaint related to the traffic at the rear entrance to the Tanger Mall toward the end of the 24-mile ride. A ride organizer said this could be easily avoided next year by reversing the direction of the route so that riders pass the mall exit before opening time.

Ride registrar Mary Younce said her workers signed up more than 200 riders by 7:45 a.m. Most preregistered by e-mail. Others signed up the night before at the gala pre-ride spaghetti dinner at the Magnolia Court Restaurant in downtown Foley.

Registration for “le Tour de Foley” was $40 for the 24- and 63-mile rides and $5 for the Fun Rides. All riders received a “Tour de Foley” T-shirt. Proceeds will cover city of Foley expenses and support Foley Lions Club projects. The Baldwin County Trailblazers will use their share of the profits to help complete construction of the Eastern Shore Trail, a multi-purpose pedestrian and bicycle trail that extends from the Battleship on the Causeway to Spanish Fort, Daphne, Montrose, Fairhope, Point Clear, Mullet Point Park and ending at the Weeks Bay Reserve at Fish River.

Trailblazer President Walter Ernest said the 30-mile former railroad right of way between Bay Minette and Foley will be their next project.