Tour de Cape: Annual bike ride and run this weekend
The 24th annual Tour de Cape will take place this weekend, with a kickoff party set for tonight.
Hosted by the Cape Coral Parks and Recreation Department, the event will feature a 5K Run and a Kids 5K Run on Saturday at Cape Harbour, followed by four different bike tours on Sunday. Before the weekend, a pre-event packet pick-up celebration will be held from 5 to 8 p.m today for participants.
“It’s the largest cycling event we do in Southwest Florida,” Todd King, special events coordinator for the Parks and Recreation Department, said. “It’s a tradition in Cape Coral. It’s nationally known.”
Each year, the Tour de Cape draws approximately 800 bicyclists and about 200 runners.
“We typically have a thousand people participate,” he said. “We have lots of participants from all over the country that come.”
The weather is always a key factor.
“But our weather’s looking really good,” King said.
At tonight’s kickoff party, participants can pick up their packets, course maps and event T-shirts. Fathoms Restaurant & Bar will provide a free appetizer with the purchase of two entrees to those who show their event registration and the French Press will serve up an extra scoop of gelato for free.
“Friday is still advance registration,” he said, noting that people can sign up at the party.
On Saturday, check in will be held from 6:30 to 7:45 a.m. Race time is 8 a.m.
“The route is down by the Cape Harbour Resort on El Dorado Boulevard,” King said.
A certified course, the 5K Run is designed for advanced and notice runners.
Medals will be awarded to the top finishers in each age category.
“We place the top three runners,” he said. “There’s several different age groups.”
At 10 a.m., the Kids 5K Ride will take place.
“The mini-Tour de Cape is for kids and families,” King said.
The ride is 3.1 miles and the course is designed to be safe, flat and well supported by police.
“It’s geared up as a family ride,” he said.
A parent or guardian must accompany any child taking part.
“We usually have about 150 to 200 kids participate in that,” King said.
Participants can register for the 5K Run or Kids 5K Ride day of.
On Sunday, check in will be held from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. There are four cycling tours available that carry riders throughout the city, including a 15-mile, 30-mile, 60-mile and 100-mile course.
“Riders will select which course they want to go on,” he said.
The 60-mile and 100-mile start at 8 a.m. The 15-mile and 30-mile start at 8:30 a.m.
All start and finish at Cape Harbour.
“The courses are well marked and safe,” King said.
Four on-route rest stations will be set up, with snacks and beverages available.
“Helmets are required,” he said.
The city has partnered with Fathoms Restaurant and Rumrunners for a post-event party.
King noted that there will be live music and alcoholic beverages on site.
“It’s a definite don’t miss if you like cycling,” he said.
The advance registration costs are $20 for the 5K Run, $35 for a bike tour or $40 for the run and ride combination. Day of costs are $25 for the 5K Run, $40 for a bike tour or $45 for the combination.
A continental breakfast/lunch will be provided on Saturday and Sunday.
The Kids 5K Ride costs $10 day of and includes a hot dog lunch and event T-shirt.
For more information on the 24th annual Tour de Cape, visit online at: www.tourdecape.net.
Cape Harbour is at 5848 Cape Harbour Drive.