The Tour de Guelph will celebrate its 10th anniversary on June 25, with the annual charity bicycle ride’s goal of $150,000.
“This will bring us over $1 million since we started the Tour de Guelph (in 2014),” said Clarence Haverson, co-chair of the event.
Funds raised support the Guelph General Hospital and local charities through the Rotary Clubs of Guelph South and Guelph Trillium.
“Every piece of equipment the hospital needs is made locally,” Haverson said. “Rotary clubs, which provide most of the volunteer assistance, use some of the money to support local charities.”
The Tour de Guelph is open to all ages and abilities. Participants can use any type of bike, including power-assisted e-bikes.
Haversen said the event typically attracts about 750 people to the event in any given year.
“Last year, we were a little less than about 500,” he said, adding that organizers are targeting 750 participants this year.
The Tour de Guelph will have four routes: 25 km, 50 km, 75 km and 100 km. There will also be a 50-kilometer multi-surface walkway and a five- to 10-kilometer loop through the protected streets of The Village by the arboretum. All cyclists will depart and return from the University of Guelph, where there is free parking.
“We work hard to make sure there is a distance for everyone to enjoy,” said Frank Odesluis, co-chair of the program. “Safety is paramount and we do our best to minimize busy roads and intersections, avoiding steep hills and left-hand turns where possible.”
The event will also feature a new logo created by Letter M Marketing.
Haversen said, “Obviously, the name Tour de Guelph gives the impression that we are a race and it is not.” “Our new logo really focuses on being a community cycling program.”
Full event details and how to register can be found at Visit Guelph Website,
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