In Our Community

Pedal FARR

Bikes, beer, and battling cancer

By Natalie Slieter | Photos courtesy of Pedal FARR

On August 14, those who like to bike, drink brews, and help local families can participate in the 6th annual Pedal FARR (Falls Area River Ride) to raise funds that will go to support those battling cancer.

Emily Connolly founded Pedal FARR, formerly known as Tour de Brew Sioux Falls, after she took part in Livestrong bike rides and wanted to bring the concept back to benefit families in South Dakota and the surrounding area. Since its founding in 2016, the 501(c)(3) has raised over $30,000, of which $24,000 has been put into the hands of those battling cancer and their families, in the form of $1,000 checks.

Pedal FARR participants will travel the bike trails in Sioux Falls and stop at several local bars along the way. The route includes stops at Remedy Brewing, Monks House of Ale Repute, The Rush, The Garage, Blue Rock Bar, and Falls Landing Restaurant. There is also a stop at Pasley Park called “Share a Coke.” This stop began in 2018 and honors the life of someone who has passed away from cancer with Coke cans adorned with their name. This year, the life of Chris Krueger will be honored.

“The personalizing of that stop is when the event really took off because it gave people a reason for why they’re riding,” Connolly said.

Riders will be able to take time to eat and drink at each bar with games and prizes along the way. There will also be bike security while bikers go into the establishments.

When the ride started in 2016, there were just 68 participants; in 2020, the ride had almost 300 bikers. Connolly has high hopes of seeing 500 bikers participate in August.

beyond every year to make Pedal FARR a success. The 2021 event will be Connolly’s last year leading Pedal FARR. In the years ahead, she will be partnering with the American Cancer Society and their volunteer group who will take over as the lead.

Connolly shares that running the event the last six years has been a lot of work, but it has also brought so much joy, fun, and excitement to her life and to the lives of others.

“I hope to see the event become something even bigger,” Connolly said. “I hope it keeps showcasing the local community and diversifying where the funds are going in the cancer community.”

The cost to participate is $25 and t-shirts are $10. Bikers can visit the Pedal FARR Facebook page to get more information on how to register and other event details. n

FULL-SERVICE DENTAL FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

(605) 305-4141 | PriorityDentalCare.com

6301 West 41st St., Sioux Falls Hours: Tuesday–Friday 9am–5pm

Second Location – Now Open!

3617 W Avera Dr • Sioux Falls

FAMOUSLY DELICIOUS SUBS

Voted Greatest Sandwich in America 2018

Cater • Dine In • Mobile Order • Delivery

Drive Up (S Marion Rd Location) • Curbside Pickup (W Avera Dr Location)

Two Sioux Falls Locations!

2504 S Marion Rd (605) 271-7303

3617 W Avera Dr (605) 271-9891 Hours: Mon-Sat 10-9 • Sun 10-8 • capriottis.com