Breckenridge Texan

Registration is now open for the 10th annual Sloan Everett Memorial Pure Country Pedal Bike Ride, scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 3, at the Breckenridge City Park, 601 E. Walker St.

The annual community event honors the memory of Sloan Everett, who died in 2017 while protecting his family’s cattle from a wildfire in the Texas Panhandle. Beyond serving as a memorial, 100% of the net profits from the ride go directly to support Stephens County’s three volunteer fire departments: Caddo, Hubbard Creek and Wayland.

Following the loss of Everett and two others during the 2017 wildfire, the local community created the memorial bike ride to celebrate his memory. A 2000 graduate of Breckenridge High School, Everett was a civic leader and local business owner who actively served on the Stephens Memorial Hospital Board, held a seat on the Breckenridge Chamber of Commerce board of directors, supported the youth ministry at First Baptist Church of Breckenridge and frequently went bike riding in the area.

For the first couple of years, the bike ride was simply a memorial to Everett, but in 2019 the Everett family turned it a fundraiser for area volunteer fire departments.

Last year in 2025, each of the three volunteer fire departments received $18,005, totaling $54,015 raised by the event. Since fundraising efforts began in 2019, the community and participating riders have raised more than $228,000 for the volunteer fire departments.

Organizers plan the bike ride for early October — when cool mornings and quiet country roads offer optimal riding conditions. The Pure Country Pedal features five well-marked and supported routes:

• Greenhorn Route (4.22 Miles): Perfect for families and young riders.
• Pony Express Route (7.79 Miles): A short, scenic ride.
• Buckin’ Bronc Route (18.73 Miles): An intermediate distance.
• Top Hand Route (31.62 Miles): A moderate trek through local roads.
• Sloan’s Route (59.07 Miles): The signature long-distance endurance route.

All routes include marked trails, rest stops stocked with water and snacks, and Support and Gear (SAG) vehicles.

This year, the two longest bike routes – Sloan’s Route and Top Hand Route – will start an hour before the rest of the riders. The full event schedule for Saturday, Oct. 3, includes:

• 7:15 a.m.: Registration & check-in open
• 8 a.m.: Sloan’s Route & Top Hand Route start
• 8:30 a.m.: Welcome Ceremony
• 9 a.m.: All other routes start
• 10 a.m.: Live music performance by Kyle Fambro
• 11 a.m.: BBQ Lunch served
• 11:30 a.m.: Live Texas country music guest

Every paid registration includes a commemorative event t-shirt and a ticket to the barbecue lunch. Non-riders and family members are also invited to join the festivities at the park beginning at 10:30 a.m. for lunch ($12), live Texas country music, and family-friendly activities, including a bounce house.

Registration prices are set at $45 for adults (18 and older), $30 for youth (ages 13 to 17), and free for children ages 12 and under. Online registration at bikereg.com/purecountrypedal will be available through Oct. 2, and on-site registration will be available before the ride starts. However, early registration is encouraged to ensure there are enough t-shirts for everyone. Additional t-shirts may also be purchased online for $20 each.

To learn more about the event, visit purecountrypedal.com.

Cutline, top photo: Riders in the 2025 Sloan Everett Pure Country Pedal Memorial Bike Ride take off from the start line in the Breckenridge City Park. This year’s event is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 3. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)