Relay For Life’s first-ever Bike Ride for Butler County rolled to success in March, with 69 riders cycling through the hills and dales of the south Alabama countryside. The event raised more than $2,200 for Relay, the American Cancer Society’s signature fundraiser in the county.

“It was great, seeing all those people pedaling out of the gates at the fairgrounds that morning,” said Galahad Smith, Relay chair for the county. “We had motorcyclists riding along with us to encourage riders and help anyone who needed it along the way.”

Riders could choose from a 15-mile, 33-mile or 63-mile route with cancer survivors, cheerleaders and local residents cheering them along the way.

Participant Sherri Scott applauded the Camellia City for its outstanding response to the riders.

“The Police Department provided excellent coverage and it was an amazingly well-organized ride. It’s hard to believe it was the first one,” Scott said. “With all the support, organization, grilled burgers and pound cake at the end, we will be back.”

Smith said the event, organized by local cycling enthusiasts Debra Waller and Karen Higgins, had earned “lots of positive comments.”

“We are really pleased with how everything turned out. We had a beautiful day and we raised money for a good cause,” he added.

Butler County Relay For Life is set for Friday, May 7 at the Greenville YMCA. For more information, call 1-800-227-2345 or visit relayforlife.org/butleral.