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GROVES — A charity bike ride tour that raises money for various causes while showcasing the sights in Groves and Southeast Texas is canceled for this year.

Barbara Edington, organizer of Tour de Groves, said it was an extremely tough decision to make to cancel this year’s ride but it was necessary for the safety of the cyclists.

The annual event usually takes place in October, starting in downtown Groves, up to Port Neches Riverfront Park, to Sara Jane Road and to Port Arthur via Procter Street Extension ending behind the city hall area. A longer portion of the ride goes over the Martin Luther King Jr. Bridge to Pleasure Island with a stop at the now closed Port Arthur Yacht Club.

Edington has kept an eye on the road work in the area and had hoped most of it would have be completed by the time of the tour.

“We will be back next year,” Edington said. “I’ve had a lot of people reach out and hopefully it will be bigger and better.”

Edington got into cycling years ago and rode with Beaumont Spindletop Spin. Some friends online suggested having a ride in Groves.

“It was originally started to give back to the Senior Center in Groves but also to showcase that Southeast Texas is a place where some of these events can go on and show people what we have to offer,” she said. “Ninety percent of the participants for years come from out of the area.”

Edington feels organizers have accomplished their mission, raising money for charities and showcasing this area of Southeast Texas.”

This year would have been the 10^th year for the ride.

Edington said through the years the Senior Center indicated it didn’t need the funds so she switched up and began working with the Blue Santa program and different organizations such as Avery Anne Guerra Foundation, which helps families whose children are in the hospital with a heart defect, and the local Toys For Tots.

All in all Tour de Groves has raised $14,000 that was given back to the community, she said.

Edington is thankful for the sponsors she has had through the years. Some include Debbie’s dance, Armentor’s United Martial Arts, Jefferson County Amateur Radio Club, Port Arthur Yacht Club, Valero and more.