Imagine miles of rolling hills and thickly wooded forests! The Pineywoods Purgatory — fall’s premier cycling event — offers four rides ranging from 25 to 102 miles that take you through Texas Forest Country’s best! Don’t let the first few miles fool you — the terrain is not without challenge! And to cap off your ride, the Angelina Expo and its cadre of volunteers and partners offer unmatched hospitality to riders and their guests who Visit Lufkin. It’s not just a ride; it’s a weekend experience you’ll want to make an annual event!
Why “Pineywoods Purgatory“?
An avid cyclist, Garland “Bubba” Parise, dreamed up the ride. He wanted Lufkin to have a ride that rivaled the “big ones” in Texas. With the help of his employer, Champion Paper Mill, his friends, and family, the Purgatory began in 1992 following a route Bubba and his friends often rode together. In 1993, at the age of 40, Parise died suddenly of an undiagnosed heart arrythmia. Pineywoods Purgatory’s continued success is a living memorial to Parise’s commitment to create the ultimate cycling experience through the Texas Forest Trail Region.
If you’re up for the challenge, you’ll understand the name “Purgatory” as you’re caught between the heaven of the East Texas countryside and the “hell” of having one more hill to climb!
You can register on-line or mail in your registration form. Bring some friends and family along too. Riders can enjoy a fabulous meal after the ride then get ready for the 6th Annual Lufkin’s Bistro 10/3/15 in downtown Lufkin!
Event Schedule:
Friday, October 2, 2015
5-8 pm :: Registration Open at the George H. Henderson, Jr. Exposition Center, Lufkin TX (map)
6-8 pm :: Carbo-Load Supper at the George H. Henderson, Jr. Exposition Center, Lufkin TX
Saturday, October 3, 2015
6 am :: Registration Open
8 am :: The 24th Annual Pineywoods Purgatory begins!
Join the Ride- Buy Tickets Online
and See Pineywoods Purgatory Route/Elevation/Ride Maps HERE