The People Promoting Animal Welfare nonprofit group will hold its first "Greenback Tour dePPAW" on April 30 to raise money for spay and neuter surgeries.

The event will consist of a scenic bike ride with 60-mile, 35-mile and 15-mile routes of varying intensity so that everyone can participate regardless of physical ability. The entry fee is $40 on the day of the race. Proceeds will go toward funding the group's low-cost spay and neuter clinic in Greenback.

Director Deborah Searfoss came up with the idea for the bike ride fundraiser when she moved from Wisconsin to Tennessee.

"I've done bike rides before up in Wisconsin," Searfoss said. "When we moved down here quite a few years ago, I've thought all along that these are just such gorgeous roads, and some day we have to do a bike ride."

Riders will receive maps on which routes are marked in detail, and support vehicles will follow groups of cyclists to assist in the event of an accident, flat tire or other unfortunate occurrence.

After the ride, participants are invited to the Greenback Community Center to enjoy a gourmet dinner of quiche, pasta, fruit and homemade desserts.

The People Promoting Animal Welfare organization was founded in 1998 with the purpose of spaying and neutering dogs and cats to reduce the number of unwanted animals that are euthanized in area shelters.

The group relies on grants, donations and fundraisers like the Greenback Tour dePPAW to pursue its mission.

For more information how to get involved with the Greenback Tour dePPAW, visit the website: http://www.ppawspayneuterclinic.com/TourDePPAW

Full Story At knoxnews.com