In just two years Tour de Guelph has become the city’s premiere cycling event, attracting hundreds of riders in all skill levels, and raising tens of thousands of dollars for the Guelph General Hospital and Rotary Clubs of Guelph South and Trillium. Year three is coming up.
Registration is now on for the 3rd annual edition of the cycling races, presented by Scotiabank and happening this year on Sunday, June 26.
There are 5, 10, 25, 50, 75, and 100 kilometre races, all through some of the most picturesque rural landscape in the Guelph area. The event has grown rapidly.
“It is already trending to be larger this year,” said Elizabeth Stewart, the foundation’s marketing and communications specialist. “We’re already ahead on registrations.”
She said the inaugural event in 2014 attracted nearly 400 racers, and last year 500 participated. Organizers hope to see 800 this year. Registration fees range from $10 for the shortest distances, up to $50 for the longer ones.
“It’s just a spectacular community event,” Stewart said. “It really brings people out to enjoy a beautiful day in a very healthy way. It encourages wellbeing.”
The routes have been carefully designed by the pros at Speed River Bicycle, taking pains to avoid road construction, and to ensure that the routes are not too challenging.
“We’re really trying to be very careful about the routes we select, and making sure that they are incredibly enjoyable for the people that are participating,” Stewart added.
The 2015 event raised $40,000, and this year the goal is $60,000. Tour de Guelph features a host of vendors, information booths, and lots of energy rejuvenating food. There are diehard road racers, as well as families pedaling slow and easy along the short course.
To register, visit http://www.gghfoundation.ca/scotiabank-presents-tour-de-guelph-2016?gclid=CjwKEAjwya-6BRDR3p6FuY2-u3MSJAD1paxTbPWBJpewpmaHMQbCXvCQ7apsln4EoxjucNryPcARwxoCkSPw_wcB.
Fundraising by participants is not mandatory, but it is encouraged.
“It really brings out Guelph’s thriving cycling community,” Stewart said, adding that it is an excellent way for those thinking about getting into the sport of cycling to give it a try.
The races are followed by a lunch, and the Bull Ring on the University of Guelph campus is reserved for later in the afternoon for people to hang out, have a beverage and a bite to eat. The event takes place on campus.
