Dirty Pecan 2022 coming March 5!

Heather Ainsley
ECB Publishing, Inc.

For those experienced bicyclists who love a good nature trail, Dirty Pecan Gravel Ride is probably a familiar phrase that yields much excitement. For those outside of the cycling world, however, this annual event may not be a household name. Whether you are into rural biking or not, you may want to make a note in your calendar, as hundreds of experienced bikers take to the roadways to enjoy a lengthy ride along miles of the most scenic dirt roads that North Florida and South Georgia have to offer.
On Mar. 5, 2022, hundreds of cyclists will set off along an unsupported ride, participating in the ride-length of their choice. Participants choose from a ride of 40, 60, 80, 100, 150, or 200 miles, and are charged with their own needs, welfare, equipment, navigation, food and drink. The courses are not marked, and no assistance will be provided. The start and finish for all routes will be located at the UF Extension office located 2.8 miles west of the County Commissioner Betsy Barfield, organizer of the Dirty Pecan Gravel Ride, says the event has a great multitude of purposes for Jefferson County. “The event was started as a way to raise money for the local 4-H program,” says Barfield, “but it also serves as a way to bring people from all over the United States into Jefferson County, and also to complement active lifestyles and the benefits they have for your health. One of the most important purposes this event has is to showcase just how beautiful Jefferson County is to the outside world.” The event has been helping to fund the local 4-H program in Jefferson County every year for the last eight years, with the exception of last year, Barfield noted, due to Covid restrictions.
“Last year, we didn't have the Dirty Pecan Gravel Ride,” she said, although she stated that many cycling enthusiasts were hardly dissuaded, opting to come anyway and travel the paths solo. Dirty Pecan ended up holding an unofficial 'Non-Pecon' for those who planned on coming to ride the dirt roads with or without an official sanctioned event. “Boy, were they determined!” she remembered, amused. To minimize impact on Monticello streets and business parking areas from out-of-towners, the Dirty Pecan Facebook Page offered advice on appropriate parking and ensured the presence of port-a-potties to minimize impact on local business restrooms.
The popularity of this annual event is definitely ever-growing, with over 850 people registered for this year's ride. This is extremely important for the local 4-H branch, which is a non-profit, educational program that is open to all youth regardless of socio-economic level, sex, race, color, religion or national origin. “We estimate over $21,000 coming in to the 4-H program from this year's Dirty Pecan ride,” says Barfield, adding that she feels it is important as a commissioner to use her fundraising skills and position to raise money for non-profit organizations that have such an impact in our community. “I, myself, was a member of 4-H and benefitted tremendously from my time with the program,” she said. “Because of this, 4-H will always be in my heart.”
This important community program benefits greatly from the Dirty Pecan event, and this year is sponsored by a multitude of sponsors, including David's World Cycle, Carrabba's Italian Grill, Beard Equipment Co., PRIA, CWR Contracting, Inc., Duke Energy, Fonvielle Family Foundation, Jefferson County Florida, LC Langton Consulting, Nabors Giblin and Nickerson, Preferred PGIT, XOJ, Ard Shirley & Rudolph, Ferrovial Services, Robert and Lisa Roddy, Tri-County, Stephen Walker District 5 Commissioner, The T-Shirt Lady, Xfinity and FPL. “We want to extend a huge thank you to all of our sponsors,” says Barfield, “they have really helped make the Dirty Pecan Event possible.”
Of the over 850 people currently registered for Dirty Pecan, 130 of them are registered for the 40 mile route, 222 are registered for the 60 mile route, 150 are registered for the 80 mile route, 230 are registered for the 100 mile route, 42 are registered for the 150 mile route and 78 are registered for the 200 mile route. Of this, 71.7 percent are men, and 28.3 percent are women, and 82.7 percent are over the age of 40.
It's not just Florida-folk who are taking this opportunity to ride the backroads of North Florida and South Georgia; but people from all over the United States, including states as far out as Texas, New Hampshire, Michigan, and Nebraska. People have hailed from over 20 states to come and see beautiful rural Florida up close as they view it from along our intricate system of dirt and clay roads. This collective of like-minded Americans will join together for a single day of scenic riding that ends on Saturday evening with a bonfire hosted by Betsy Barfield at the starting location.
“I just want to know who is bringing the s'mores!” she laughed, saying that the bonfire will begin at 7 p.m. and will last until the fire dies. A preliminary bonfire will also be held Friday evening at the same location for early arrivals to enjoy a bit of fellowship before their big ride the following morning.
For those who are not participating in this year's Dirty Pecan Gravel Ride, be mindful and aware on the roads while driving. With over 800 registered cyclists all traveling the unpaved and scenic roads of Monticello, you should expect to see a few dedicated cyclists on your way to work, so plan your commute accordingly to ensure good travel-time and safety for everyone on the roadways.
If you missed out on registration for this year's event, you can always sign up for next year's ride. Be sure to sign up early, because camping positions and registration spaces fill up quickly! The Dirty Pecan Gravel Ride takes place on the first Saturday of March, and registration begins four months before the event. For more information, please contact Betsy Barfield at or (850) 933-4055, or visit the Dirty Pecan Facebook page.