Family-friendly tour helps valley charities
Hal Parkins thought he had an easy way to show off to his spouse and friends that he still “had it.” Last year, the 72-year-old Canadian snowbird cycled the 55-mile route of the Tour de Palm Springs.
“With the wind, it was harder than I thought, but overall I loved it,” says Parkins.
Wind has been an on-again, off-again factor in the bicycle event — organizers say “please don’t call it a race” — that draws more novice riders every year. A reported 10,000 rode in 2013.
Ready to roll Feb. 8 for its 16th year, the nonprofit Tour de Palm Springs benefits dozens of Coachella Valley charities and has raised more than $1 million since 1999.
The heart of the Tour is in downtown Palm Springs, where riders head out in staggered time slots. Bands play rousing tunes. Spectators and cheerleaders applaud.
Indeed, riders find all manner of support. Parkins was impressed with the support and gear stops. “There was lots of food — oranges, bananas, Clif bars, Fig Newtons, sandwiches, energy drinks, water,” he says.
He got a particular kick out of the musicians that perform at some of the SAG stops.
Plus, volunteers at each SAG stop help with bike problems. They also cruise the routes in support vehicles.
Riders of all ages and abilities try the Tour, from tykes on their first two-wheeler to veterans in slick bike togs and skinny-tire, multi-thousand dollar bicycles. Three-wheeled and tandem bikes can participate. Everyone wears a helmet, or you don’t leave the start line.
Ride from 1 to 100 miles
Riders can participate in any of the following routes, which get more difficult as they get longer.
1 mile: beginners
5 mile: easy, slight hills
10 mile: slight hills, more distance
25 mile: moderate ride, few rolling hills
55 mile: lots of rolling hills, gradual climbs, but not steep
100 mile: lots of rolling hills, gradual climbs, but not steep
Scenery is guaranteed. For instance, the five-mile route takes riders through Las Palmas and Movie Colony East, both areas sprinkled with homes of famous celebrities.
The 100-mile trek directs riders to the desert along Dillon Road at the base of the San Bernardino Mountains, through farm fields as far south as Avenue 62, and back up to Palm Springs via La Quinta, Indian Wells, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage and Cathedral City.
While Parkins teases about being “exfoliated by the wind” last year, he says he finished the race about five pounds lighter, although it was a temporary weight loss.
“If I ever do it again, I’m going to buy a better bike with a bigger seat,” he says.
Note: It’s hard to tell how many calories you might burn riding the Tour. It depends on weight, speed and duration. Go to caloriesburnedhq.com for a calculator.
If you go
What: Rides of 1, 5, 10, 25, 55 and 100 miles; walks of 1, 2 and 3 miles
When: Feb. 8, staggered starts from 6:30 to 11 a.m.
Where: East Alejo Road and North Palm Canyon Drive
Cost: Depends on length of ride, $5-$65
Information: (760) 674-4700, www.tourdepalmsprings.com