History of Cruisin’ in the Country
Evans County, the 150th county formed in Georgia, was created from parts of Bulloch and Tattnall counties. It is comprised of a total area of 185 square miles. Claxton, the county seat, is known as the “Fruitcake Capital of the World” in honor of its production of the traditional holiday treat. The Claxton Bakery, and Georgia Fruitcake Company ship this delicacy around the globe each year. Claxton is also home to Claxton Poultry Farms, one of the largest providers of chicken throughout the South, serving customers such as Kentucky Fried Chicken, Chick-fil-A, Popeye’s and others. Evans County is a small, attractive place to build homes and businesses, enjoying one of the lowest tax bases in Georgia.
In 1995, the Chamber of Commerce decided to promote its unique area by creating a new recreational opportunity. After discussion among its membership, it was noted that the cycling pastime was fast becoming popular. So, the Chamber decided to conduct an organized bike ride for cyclists. That first event, known as the Yuletide Ride, was held in conjunction with the community Christmas celebration. It drew 31 participants, but even in the smallest of numbers, the ride was a big success and the organizers knew they wanted to make it grow.
In 1996, the event was moved to November under the name “Cruisin’ in the Country”. The ride was expanded to include a 65 mile route. The growth was 4 times larger than the initial ride. In 1997, a standard century was added to the event and the name changed to “Cruisin in the Country Century”. By 1999, Cruisin’ had grown to 429 participants.
In 1999, ride headquarters was moved to the 40 acre Evans County Recreation Park with its large, open areas, playgrounds, camping sites, easy access to county roads, and large buildings to house registration. By 2000, the ride had grown to over 700 cyclists. Over 1,000 cyclists participated in 2002 to chase the Cruisin’ cap, and enjoy a weekend Cruisin’ in the country.
In 2004, the founder of the ride, Georgia football great, Royce Smith, died in January. The Chamber had assumed full direction of the ride by that time, but Royce will always be remembered as having put his heart and soul into building “Cruisin’ in the Country”.
The Claxton-Evans County Chamber of Commerce continues to sponsor “Cruisin’ in the Country”, retaining it’s focus on safety first and providing the best cyclist-friendly ride of the year. Cruisin’ in the Country, held the second Saturday of November, caps the year, every year, for the busy, progressive small community of Claxton and Evans County.
