It’s not too late to register as a rider or volunteer for the 14th Annual Tour de Scottsdale citizen’s ride! Whether you participate as an endurance team to obliterate the challenging ascents or enter as a lone weekend warrior out for some relaxed long flat stretches of scenic Scottsdale, one thing is guaranteed, you’ll be part of an inclusive community raising some big bucks to benefit the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy.
The 30 and 70-mile tour is hosted by DC Ranch and the start gate and after-party take place on Market Street at DC Ranch in North Scottsdale. Both tours are timed from start to finish using the Chronotrack timing system that will record each participant’s individual time. Each riders is given a disposable chip that tracks the rider along the route, there are ham radio operators all along the course to keep an eye out for the cyclists and to keep everyone connected, and roving volunteers are all along both courses for cyclist’s needs. This is a safe, family event with aid stations along both routes and EMT’s will be on hand in case of emergencies.
Who can ride? All ages and abilities are encouraged to register for the event on Sunday, Oct. 8th from 6:30 a.m. to noon. The only requirement is that you ride with a bike helmet! The more serious cyclist will surely show up in their padded lycra cycling shorts, jersey, padded cycling gloves and clacking stiff rubber-soled shoes, but that’s all optional! However, it is highly recommended that everyone leave the gate with at least one reusable water bottle to be refilled along the course, sun screen and sunglasses.
How many riders are expected? This year is the first year that Tour de Scottsdale has partnered with USA Cycling and they are expecting a larger turn-out than the 1,700 riders in 2016. You’ll want to register soon since this year the event will be capped at 2,000 riders. You can ride any type of bike as long as it’s safe, but sadly, Aerobars are not allowed at this bike event. The tour is located at Market Street Plaza at the southeast corner of Pima and Thompson Peak Parkway.
For family and friends who elect to stay on the sidelines, there is a lot to do while you waiting for your rider to come through the finish chute. Peruse the expo vendors, dine at one of the eateries on Market Street, hit one of the City of Scottsdale hiking trails in the vicinity or time it to show up at the very end for the post-race party with live entertainment!
Interested in looking at some DC Ranch real estate while you wait? There is a four hour time limit on the 30-mile Tour de Scottsdale and a five hour limit on the 70-mile tour which gives you plenty of time to meet up with a member of The Matheson Team and tour the communities within DC Ranch to find the perfect North Scottsdale dream home.
Don Matheson
Realtor | Founder
The Matheson Team – RE/MAX Fine Properties
21000 N. Pima Rd., #100, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
480-360-0281
don@scottsdalerealestate.com
