Thousands of Cyclists "Gear Up" for the 11th Annual Tour de Troit, Sept. 15
New Closed Course Allows Participants to Ride Without Escort.
- Detroit, MI (1888PressRelease) August 22, 2012 - The 11th annual Tour de Troit, a bicycle tour through Detroit's historic neighborhoods, will be held on Saturday, September 15 starting at Roosevelt Park. The event enables cyclists to explore the city while taking in many of its spectacular sights.
The event has continued to grow in participants over the years, and organizers are planning for 5,000 riders this year. The route will be closed to automobile traffic, a first for Tour de Troit. The City of Detroit has approved a closed course, blocking off the appropriate roads for the duration of the ride. Because no cars can enter the course streets, the cyclists will not need a police escort.
"We are so excited to once again give Tour de Troit participants the one-of-a-kind opportunity to see Detroit when riding along with thousands of fellow cyclists," said Vittoria Katanski, Tour de Troit co-director. "This year, our riders will enjoy a new and exciting course taking them through wonderful neighborhoods and business districts."
The event offers two routes - one for the more recreational rider and another for more experienced cyclists. The leisure course runs approximately 30 miles and the alternative course is a Metric Century, 62 miles. Registration and sign-in will begin at 7:30 a.m.; the Metric Century ride will depart at 8 a.m. with the main group departing at 9 a.m. Both courses start and end at Roosevelt Park in Detroit at the intersection of Michigan Avenue and 14th Street, Corktown. For a pre-ride pick-me-up, McDonald's will supply yogurt parfaits and Great Lakes Coffee will be serving the java.
Registration costs $40 per rider and $35 for students. The cost increases on September 1 to $50/$45. Day-of registration costs $65 for all participants, but space is limited to 5,000 riders and participants are encouraged to register now. The Metric Century 62-mile option is sold out.
The Tour de Troit will be supported with approximately 50 sweepers and six support and gear (SAG) vehicles. Sweeper and SAG teams include experienced cyclists ready to assist participants with course instructions, changing flat tires or completing minor repairs on the road. If for any reason a rider cannot complete the course, the SAG team will take rider and bike back to Roosevelt Park. Wheelhouse Detroit Bike Shop, American Cycle and Fitness, The Hub of Detroit, Detroit Bicycle Co., Suicide Squad and Bikes and Murder sponsor the sweeper and SAG teams.
A rest stop, supported by Vitamin Water, Eastern Market Co. and Whole Foods, is located at the Detroit Boat Club on Belle Isle approximately halfway through the ride.
The ride culminates with a party in Roosevelt Park from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the shadow of Michigan Central Station featuring food and drink from local restaurants like Slow's Bar B Que, Gonella Subs, Honeybee Market, Paul's Pizza, Traffic Jam & Snug, Organaman and MillKing It Productions.
Flagstar Bank, a new Tour de Troit sponsor, covers maintenance fees and permit costs, allowing one hundred percent of participant entry fees to benefit greenways development in Detroit. The event has already raised more than $100,000 for cycling infrastructure in Detroit, including the Southwest Detroit Greenlink.
"Flagstar Bank is proud to be a sponsor of an event that helps financially support and build community awareness for our local greenways and bicycle routes," said Mary Anne Parks, vice president, Event Management, at Flagstar. "We are committed to making a difference in Detroit and across Michigan, and Tour de Troit is a perfect match for our goals."
Sponsors this year include: Blue Cross Blue Shield, Compuware, Detroit RiverFront Conservancy, Flagstar Bank, McDonald's, Miller Canfield, Motor City Casino, Plante Moran, Quicken Loans, Southwest Detroit Business Association, Team Detroit, Vitamin Water, The Villages CDC, Wheelhouse Detroit Bike Shop, and Whole Foods.
Advance registrations include a t-shirt; sizes are not guaranteed for day-of registration.
On-street parking is available at Roosevelt Park, but riders are encouraged to take the SMART bus or cycle to the event. Additional offsite parking is available at University of Detroit Dental School, Motor City Casino and Hotel and the State of Michigan Welcome Center, all of which are located within a ten-minute pedal of Roosevelt Park. Lodging partners for the event are Motor City Casino and Hostel Detroit.
To register and find out more information, visit www.tour-de-troit.org.
About Tour de Troit:
The Tour de Troit is an annual event that raises funds to support non-motorized infrastructure in Detroit, including the Southwest Detroit Greenlink. The bicycle tour takes riders through the city's historic areas, showcasing Detroit's sites and landmarks.
###
space
space
Satisfied Users & 
Approved Press Releases
Print
Email
Report Spam