Riders of all ages ready for Hesjedal’s Tour de Victoria
Cyclists will be challenging themselves, and encouraging younger ones embarking on their first organized ride, as Ryder Hesjedal’s Tour de Victoria returns with eight distances for every age and ability, Saturday from the grounds of the Legislative Assembly.
The tour promises a world-class route through scenic traffic-controlled courses. Youths and adults can choose among seven-, 15-, 30-, 60-, 100-, 140- or 160-kilometre routes.
Children between two and 12 can take laps on a 400-metre closed course on bicycles, tricyles and even run-bikes (with parents running alongside if preferred).
“It’s not just a hardcore tour,” said Seamus McGrath, race director. “We moved the day from Sunday to Saturday so that out-of-town riders could ride the route and stay the night and see more of the city.”
After the addition of more distances and moving the day of the event, registration should top more than 1,800 riders this time, up 300 from last year, McGrath said.
Weekend warriors will get a chance to pedal close to professionals such as Hesjedal, who retired in 2016. But even the pros join the ride as a more social and casual event, rather than a competition.
The event is presented by life insurance agent Hugo Donais and organized by Ryder’s Cycling Society of Canada, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting cycling.
“Our main mission is to make cycling welcoming and safe to encourage more young people to take up the sport,” said McGrath, a retired professional mountain biker.
To reinforce the safety aspect, police, marshals and volunteers will control traffic at all intersections. There will be aid stations and medical support, as well as mechanical support for riders.
Organizers have a broom wagon that will follow the riders to safely transport you and your bike, should you not be able to finish the ride for any reason. There are rewards for a job well-done, with cold beer and a hot meal at the finish line.
You can leave your bike in a secured parking area while you eat or join your children in family activities at the finish.
People can also support the Charity Program, with Opportunity International and Ryder’s Cycling Society of Canada as the two beneficiaries this year.
Local groups and bike stores have staged cycling clinics in the weeks leading up to the ride. Cycling B.C. has put on a series of iRide Camps, targeted at school-age children to prepare them for their first big riding experience.
Registration is open until Friday. The cost of registering ranges from $35 for the seven-kilometre ride to $250 for the 160-km route. In support of youth cycling development, a subsidized registration of $25 applies to all riders 18 and under for all distances.
The start times are staggered, with the longest-distance group leaving at 7 a.m. and the shortest distance leaving at noon from the grounds of the Legislative Assembly. All rides end at the same location. The Kids Ride is free and starts at 2:30 p.m.
For more information, go to tourdevictoria.com.