The Story of the Missions Tour de Goliad
In 1992, one woman with an idea gathered a group of Goliad residents and initiated the 1st Annual Missions Tour de Goliad Bicycle Ride. Faye Irby, not a bike rider herself, called upon friend and bike rider Wesley Stephens to help organize the event. Wes, an avid biker but unfamiliar with Goliad roads, drove miles throughout the countryside and with the he
lp of his wife, Ada Sue, laid out the routes that would become the first Missions Tour de Goliad. Then, Faye with his help and a few other residents, pulled off the near impossible. Together, they organized, advertised and bestowed upon Goliad, Texas an event that was destined to become a Goliad tradition. These early helpers included, Bubba Thigpen, John Barnhill, Dottie Simmons, Jim Landolt, Mary Ann Williams, Julie Wimberly, Ceil McKinney and Joe McManus. The first ride bought 160 riders to Goliad and became an overnight success. Dalhart Winberg, a reputable hometown artist, designed a logo for the Tour and it has become symbolic of the ride. Bike Riders across Texas recognize the “Ghost Rider” as representing one of the best and most beautiful tours in Texas. By 1994, 206 riders registered for the ride. Organizers added a spaghetti dinner to the event as well as entertainment by local singer Mary Ann Williams. The Ride’s reputation continued to grow and the year 1995 saw rider attendance rise to 324. Just as the Missions Tour de Goliad continued to grow so had Faye Irby’s business, “Faye’s Texas Naturals.” After five successful years, Faye turned over the reins as Committee Chairman in order to devote more time to her business. She, by no means, removed herself from the event that was her brainchild. Faye continues to be an important participant, assuring the ride’s ongoing success. Bettie Giraudin became the second Ride Chairman for the 6th Annual Missions Tour de Goliad. Now, in its sixth year, preparations for the Ride were taking up to ten months. Besides the Ride and Tour Directors, there were committees and assignments for numerous functions such as advertising, brochures, communications, and SAG (stop and go) stops where refreshments and facilities were available. In addition, assignments for volunteers included directing traffic, registration and even someone in charge of Port-o-Lets, a not-to-be forgotten convenience when there are more than 350 bikers on the roads. The 6th Annual Missions Tour de Goliad saw a new addition that would become a tradition. Tom Neagli, Bay Area Schwinn of Corpus Christi donated a Bike for an “after the ride” prize drawing for registered riders. It was a sought after prize and one that over three hundred riders patiently awaited the drawings results during the 1997 ride. The Missions Tour de Goliad is nearing five hundred riders, more than three times that of the ride’s inception. The rides have changed little from the original routes measured and designated by Mr. Stephens in 1992. Wesley Stephens passed away in 2002, just prior to the 11th Annual Missions Tour de Goliad. He lived to see the event become a mainstay of the town’s activities and one that continues to bring the community together year after year. For many years, on the morning of the Tour, Mrs. Faye Irby could be found registering riders, handing out T-shirts and generally checking on the many details that have turned one woman’s idea into a community institution. Faye passed away in August of 2008 and most of the original volunteers are no longer with us, several have passed on and some have moved away. Their efforts will not be forgotten as the Chamber of Commerce employees and volunteers proudly strive to continue the tradition that began with a single idea.
