Cycle: Tour de Tempe (aka the Ride for Everyone)

With most of the focus of the local cycling world placed on long distance events like the Tour de Scottsdale, Ironman Arizona and the Tour of the White Mountains, many of the Valley's casual pedal pushers are left looking for a group ride for them.The City of Tempe is here...

By Jason Franz

October 12, 2011

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With most of the focus of the local cycling world placed on long distance events like the Tour de Scottsdale, Ironman Arizona and the Tour of the White Mountains, many of the Valley's casual pedal pushers are left looking for a group ride for them.

The City of Tempe is here for all riders of all ages and abilities with their 16th annual Tour de Tempe on Oct. 23. This free ride runs from 7:30 to 11 a.m. with wheels out at 9 a.m..

The ride is in no way a race and cyclists are invited to ride at a comfortable pace. The first 850 riders to sign in on the morning of the ride will receive a free T-shirt.

The city has laid out a flat, easy ten mile route through the heart of the city, beginning at its traditional starting spot in Kiwanis Park and heading north along College Avenue to the ASU campus and tour through the historic Maple Ash neighborhood.

This route is a return to the Tour's roots, departing from the more circular route around the central Tempe region.

A community bike fair will be open to the public at Kiwanis Park featuring all ride sponsors. Riders will be able to get a free breakfast, look at new gear, and interact with various businesses and organizations supporting cycling in Tempe and across the Valley. Historically, kids events and safety clinics as well as bike swap meets are also held at the bike fair.

All participants are required to have a helmet and are encouraged to bring water to keep quenched during the ride. Registration is now open, but know that pre-registering does not equate to a free T-shirt. If you want the shirt, get there early to sign in.

Trip Distance: 10 miles
Trip Duration: As long as you need, as long as it's under 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy and enjoyable, with lots of friends
Route Map: http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/54051206

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