Both bikers and business owners alike are gearing up
for the 2012 "Tour de Gap", and organizers expect over 300 participants plus spectators to visit the area, which means a boost to
the local economy.
"Well hopefully a lot of the out-of-towners will come in and stay in the hotels and eat in the restaurants", says event organizer, Jim MacDonald.
For many local shops in Buffalo Gap, the "tour" equals tourism. Susan Presley just opened up her store, Buffalo Gap Art, Glass & More, three months ago and anticipates the crowds.
"People who would be coming to this event are obviously looking for places to go in and browse. I'm sure it will increase the revenue, and the recognition of Buffalo Gap being a fun place to visit", Presley tells us.
The event, organized by Bike Town, will include four races, the longest of which is 77 miles. And business owners say, it is just enough time for family of participants to check out the town.
"We have a lot of the wives come in while their husbands are doing the 77-mile ride, which takes a little while, and they find a lot of neat things that I have that you can't get anywhere else", says Sam Johnston, owner of Johnston Outfitters.
From specialty gift shops to bed and breakfasts and restaurants drawing people in, for at least one day, the 464 population count in Buffalo Gap may double.
There will also be a raffle drawing at the bike ride on Saturday, all proceeds for the tickets benefit the Food Bank of West Central Texas.
"Well hopefully a lot of the out-of-towners will come in and stay in the hotels and eat in the restaurants", says event organizer, Jim MacDonald.
For many local shops in Buffalo Gap, the "tour" equals tourism. Susan Presley just opened up her store, Buffalo Gap Art, Glass & More, three months ago and anticipates the crowds.
"People who would be coming to this event are obviously looking for places to go in and browse. I'm sure it will increase the revenue, and the recognition of Buffalo Gap being a fun place to visit", Presley tells us.
The event, organized by Bike Town, will include four races, the longest of which is 77 miles. And business owners say, it is just enough time for family of participants to check out the town.
"We have a lot of the wives come in while their husbands are doing the 77-mile ride, which takes a little while, and they find a lot of neat things that I have that you can't get anywhere else", says Sam Johnston, owner of Johnston Outfitters.
From specialty gift shops to bed and breakfasts and restaurants drawing people in, for at least one day, the 464 population count in Buffalo Gap may double.
There will also be a raffle drawing at the bike ride on Saturday, all proceeds for the tickets benefit the Food Bank of West Central Texas.
