Fayetteville to Hold ‘Cookie Lady Bike Ride’ March 29 to Honor Former Council Member Yvonne McCowen

For years Yvonne and Bob McCowen of Fayetteville were dedicated supporters of the annual MS 150 bicycle ride. The two-day 150-mile event originating in Houston and Austin finishes at Texas A&M in College Station, with an overnight stop at the fairgrounds in La Grange. The ride raises funds for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Along the MS 150 ride route Yvonne, a former member of Fayetteville city council, was a welcome sight for riders. They looked forward to seeing her smiling face and affectionately called her “the cookie lady.”

Before each ride, Yvonne devoted days to baking cookies — hundreds, even thousands of cookies. Then she spent two days happily handing out homemade treats to riders passing her location. And with every cookie came words of encouragement and a smile.

Long-term residents of Fayetteville, Bob and Yvonne owned and operated Houston Cycling Centers, two wellknown bicycle shops located in northwest and southwest Houston. The shops are still family owned.

In addition, the couple was the driving force in organizing the “Good Old Summertime Bicycle Classic.” This fundraiser bike ride was a Fayetteville favorite for over 20 years. With volunteer and community support the event raised more than $100,000 in funds, most of which was donated to support Fayetteville ISD Athletics.

In honor of Yvonne, who passed away Oct. 18 of last year, her husband Bob and the McCowen family are planning a memorial bicycle ride to celebrate her memory.

The event is scheduled for Sunday, March 29, at Fayetteville town square. Everyone with a bike is welcome. Participation is free. There will be different routes of varying distances offering a ride for everyone.

The Yvonne McCowen Cookie Lady Bike Ride starts at 9 a.m. sharp. Be sure to bring a bike and some cookies.