By Loretta Fulton

For the second consecutive year, Presbyterian Medical Care Mission will be the beneficiary of proceeds from Tour de Gap, the annual bike ride in Buffalo Gap. 

Started in 1983, the “Classic Texas Midsummer Ride” benefits a local or area nonprofit each year. This year’s ride will be held on Saturday, July 25. Deadline to register for live tracking and ride day results is 5 p.m. Thursday, July 23. Click here to register. 

The tourdegap.com website features the following greeting:
“When you ride Tour de Gap this year, you’ll be Riding to Bridge Gaps in Healthcare.”

Tour de Gap features three routes for every level:

• 11 miles, starting at 8 a.m. (An 11-mile ride for ages 14 and under also starts at 8 .m. Must be accompanied by an adult.)
• 50K (31 miles), starting at 7:50 a.m. (An E-bike 50K also starts at 7:50 a.m.) (A 50K ride for ages 14 and under also starts at 7:50 a.m. Must be accompanied by an adult.)
• 100K (62.1 miles), starting at 7:30 a.m. (An E-bike 100K also starts at 7:30 a.m.

Riders line up for start of Tour de Gap

The Presbyterian Medical Care Mission started in 1983, the same year as Tour de Gap as a part-time clinic operated from the trunk of a car. Today it is located at 1857 Pine St. It was started by a community committee, many of whom were physicians from First Central Presbyterian Church. 

Loretta Fulton is creator and editor of Spirit of Abilene