Maybe you know Lori. Maybe you heard about her in the news.
Lori Cove, director of Transportation and Facilities for the Town of Cary and an avid cyclist, was struck in a hit-and-run accident last October while riding her bike on High House Road, and suffered a severe traumatic brain injury. Cove continues to fight her way back from that injury, and currently lives in a rehabilitation center in Charlotte.
Lori Cove
“Lori is my close friend and I miss her dearly,” said Scott Hecht, Public Works director for Cary. “That first night doctors informed her family and close friends that we would lose our dear friend. (But) Lori has pushed back and proved she is not done fighting.”
To assist Cove’s family with her massive long-term care expenses, Hecht is organizing the Cary community to host the Tour de Cove, set for Saturday, Oct. 7 at Inside-Out Sports, 2002 Grisdale Lane in Cary.
The event includes a 20-mile bike ride, a 50-mile ride, a 2.5-mile walk, kids’ bike rodeo, cornhole tournament, Kids Corner, live music and local food.
Bands include Tom Teachout and Lounge Doctors and One Way Back Band. Local food and beverage providers include Abbey Road; D&S BBQ; Panera Bread; Duck Donuts; Eight-8 Asian; Lugano Ristorante; Whole Foods; Chick-fil-A; Bond Brothers Beer; Fortnight Brewery; Lonerider; and Wine Merchant.
Cary Mayor Harold Weinbrecht will host opening ceremonies, and Danielle Land will sing the National Anthem.
A silent auction offers the chance to bid on weekend getaways, tickets to sporting and entertainment events, golf and spa certificates and more. Hecht says the Tour de Cove “has really taken off, with so much more than I anticipated.”
He anticipates more than 500 riders to take part, in honor of Cove’s passion for the sport.
“If you are a cyclist, please register to ride,” Hecht said. “If not, register to walk. If you know anyone who can assist with donations to the silent auction, that would be huge.
“This event is more than just cycling. It is to raise money and show support for my friend. Lori’s struggle continues every day. Even if you decide not to participate in any of the events, mark your calendar and just plan to come out and have some fun on October 7.”
Find out how you can be part of Tour de Cove, at tourdecove.com.
