by Geoff Fox
Main Street Hancock will be holding their “Blessing of the Bikes” on Sunday, July 12, at 9:30 a.m. for adults and 11:30 a.m. for kids that morning.
The blessings will take place at C&O Bike Shop on Pennsylvania Avenue with Pastor Becki Wessinger from the Hancock Untied Methodist Church performing the blessings.
Jackie Daley said San Mar has partnered with Main Street Hancock for the event and as of last count would be bringing 138 riders to the event.
Daley said she met with Elisa Maliba who passionately works for foster kids and their families for the partnership.
“Each year San Mar brings 138+ cyclists through Hancock as part of the Great American Bike Ride,” Daley said.
Proceeds benefit San Mar, she said.
The C&O Bike Shop will be sponsoring the refreshment stop as the riders make their way through Hancock to Williamsport, as owners Tracy and Jimmy Barnhart are providing power bars, granola bars, cookies, apples, bananas, and water to the cyclists.
River Run B&B owners Queli and Sidney Campos are providing sunscreen to riders and Jackie’s Trail Rentals is providing lip balm.
The kids Blessing of the Bikes will meet at C&O Bike Shop to be blessed at 11:30 a.m. with the kids heading to River Run for some treats and then on to Buddy Lou’s for free ice cream provided by owner Diane Smith and on to the Red Barn, which Daley owns, where they’ll get light up bracelets and miniature basketballs.
There will also be a few booths there as well, Delayn Partlow and Maureen Thomas of the C&O Canal Trust will supply water bottles and other giveaways for the kids. Dionne Belsford of the Trail Guide will have a booth as well informing kids and families of the marvelous things to do along the trail.
Flannel on the Trail will also be opening early that day so cyclists passing through town can shop while in Hancock.
Daley said Lewis Elias will also be raffling off two kids bikes that day as well.
Once the bikers reach Williamsport, Leigh Ann Hixon will be catering their lunch. Jacob Doyle of the National Park Service will also be making an appearance, Daley said.
