From the River to the Trails: Tourism Supports Two Outdoor Events in One Day

Beattyville/Lee County Tourism had a busy day supporting outdoor recreation on Saturday, September 19, with two events taking place across the region: the South Fork Kentucky River Tire Cleanup and the Red River Gorge Mountain Bike 100 race. From helping remove tires from the river to sponsoring an aid station for mountain bikers, both efforts brought together volunteers and partners who care about our outdoor spaces.

A Cleaner South Fork Kentucky River

The South Fork Kentucky River Tire Cleanup returned in September after high water forced organizers to postpone the original August date. Volunteers removed 63 tires, along with other trash, helping improve a river enjoyed by paddlers, anglers, residents, and visitors. The effort built on the 2025 cleanup, when volunteers removed 36 tires.

Beattyville/Lee County Tourism joined Firefly Hills RV Park, Kentucky Riverkeeper, LiKEN, Beattyville Main Street, Lee County Solid Waste, the Kentucky River Authority, and community volunteers in supporting the cleanup.

The work began well before the September event. During an exploratory paddle in August, Tourism Director Dedra Brandenburg joined Russ with Friends of Red River to scout the same five-mile stretch. That trip became a cleanup of its own, with approximately 20 tires pulled from the river.

Somewhere along the way, Russ lost his spud bar—a useful tool for freeing stubborn tires. At the September cleanup, Tourism presented him with a replacement as a thank-you for his hard work and support.

Friends of Red River also provided inflatable kayaks to carry tires, while the owner of downtown Beattyville’s local IGA lent two canoes. Moving tires and trash by water took teamwork, determination, and plenty of paddling!

Firefly Hills RV Park provided essential help getting the collected debris off the riverbank. Using their tractor, they hauled all the tires and trash up the bank to the dump trailer. Owners Tonja and Troy also opened their bathhouse to volunteers, giving everyone a place to wash up and change after a muddy day on the river.

A special thank-you goes to the Lee County Solid Waste Department and Director Mitch Cornelious, who also drove the transport van that morning. The department supplied the dump trailer and hauled away the tires and trash volunteers removed from the river.

Beattyville/Lee County Tourism Aid Station at Hollerwood Park

Supporting Riders at the RRG Mountain Bike 100

That same day, more than 60 racers participated in the Red River Gorge Mountain Bike 100. Beattyville/Lee County Tourism sponsored Aid Station #5, helping support riders along the route.

Before race day, Dedra delivered station supplies to Hollerwood and met with Shawn Lemaster, owner of 361 Adventures and race organizer, to provide Lee County Tourism promotional items for racer registration packets.

A special thank-you goes to the volunteers who made the aid station possible: Haley Jo and her dad, along with Traci Spencer and her son, Marshall. Their time and help made it possible for Tourism to support the race while also participating in the river cleanup.

Events like this bring outdoor enthusiasts into our region and introduce them to the trails, scenery, and communities that make Beattyville and Lee County a memorable place to explore.

Caring for the Places That Bring Us Together

These two events reflect the many ways tourism serves our community. Promoting outdoor adventures goes hand in hand with caring for the river, welcoming visitors, and supporting the people who make local events possible.

Beattyville/Lee County Tourism thanks every volunteer, organizer, and partner who contributed to both efforts. Whether hauling a tire out of the South Fork or helping a rider along the trail, each person helped make a difference.