Upland, Ca. — Just days before Veterans Day, more than 200 military veterans will ride for free in one of California’s biggest bicycling events, the annual Tour de Foothills, Saturday, Nov. 9.
Starting and ending in Upland, the Tour de Foothills is expected to draw more than 1,000 cyclists over four separate events. Riders include competitive riders, cycling clubs, weekend enthusiasts and families that would rather go for a leisurely cruise than test their speed and endurance.
The event also features a contingent of para-cyclists, including several who hope to qualify for the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo. Past Paralympian and current U.S. National A Team member Jenna Rollman from the Challenged Athletic Foundation is scheduled to participate.
All veterans, active military members and para-athletes ride for free.
“The Tour has grown to become the best cycling event in Southern California,” said Richard Mayo, Tour de Foothills ride director. “Not only is it incredibly popular among competitive riders, but the family ride is a wonderful event where anyone and everyone can be part of the fun.”
Founded by the Upland Chamber of Commerce in 2005, the Tour’s challenging 100-mile ride gets the day started when it leaves from near the Upland Metrolink station at 7 a.m. Three additional rides of varying length also depart from Historic Downtown Upland, including the Metric Century ride (62 miles) at 7:30 a.m. and the Half-Metric Century ride (31 miles) at 8:30 a.m.
The popular family ride begins at 9:15 a.m. and welcomes riders of all ages and abilities. The family ride also offers bicycle safety instruction from REI in Rancho Cucamonga. Parents and children ages 5 to 12 are encouraged to attend the family ride, which is priced at just $30 per family.
Presented by Casa Colina Hospital and Centers for Healthcare in Pomona, the Upland Chamber of Commerce’s annual cycling event’s post-ride festival, Tour de Brews, will feature an array of craft breweries, food vendors and product and service exhibitors from noon-6 p.m. in downtown Upland.
More than a dozen community organizations and causes benefit from proceeds raised from the Tour de Foothills, including Paralympic athletes, local youth cycling programs, local high schools, veterans’ organizations, Multiple Sclerosis Society and other groups helping the hungry through No Kid Hungry, among others. Last year’s Tour de Foothills raised more than $20,000 for these and other non-profits.
To register and for more information, call 909-204-4465 or visit www.tourdefoothills.com by Nov. 1 to secure early check-in the night before the ride. Same-day registration also is available.
