Tour de Cape set for Jan. 21-22
Everything is looking better than ever for the 26th annual Tour de Cape next weekend, especially the weather forecast. The 15, 30, 60 and 100 mile bike tours were buffeted by windy conditions last year just two weeks after a powerful tornado swept through Southwest Cape Coral.
“We are looking good with the long term forecast of decent weather, definitely better than last year,” said Parks & Recreation special events coordinator Todd King. “It was challenging last year. The rides went off later than normal and we had to cut back the 100 mile ride because there wasn’t enough time to complete it.”
The festivities start at Cape Harbour on Saturday, Jan. 21, with a continental breakfast before the 5K run starts at 8 a.m., followed by a 3-mile bike ride for kids at 11 a.m. Participants can check in before the run starting at 6:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. for the kids ride.
The 60 and 100-mile bike rides start out at 8 a.m. on Sunday with the 15- and 30-mile rides released at 8:30 a.m. Check-in for the bike tours start at 6:30 a.m.
“We have a great course in Cape Coral that all the riders find to be safe, challenging and enjoyable,” said King. “This is one of the best rides in the state of Florida. We get a lot of travelers who come in and ride for the first time.”
Typically, 800 to 1,000 riders participate in the bike tour and 300-400 runners for the 5K.
Registration for the bike rides is $35 and the accompanying 5K run is $20. The kids ride costs $10. They are open through the pre-ride party from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday at Fathoms Restaurant at Cape Harbour. Entry fees include lunch for the bike tours.
“Participants can come to the pre-ride celebration and still get the discount on the entry fee plus enjoy the great food and entertainment,” said King. “On race day the fee goes up $5.”
Snacks and beverages are stationed throughout the ride routes as well as police support. A run and ride combination registration is available for $40 or $45 on the day of the events.
Registration can be achieved by submitting forms with payment through the mail, online at www.active.com, at the pre-ride celebration at Fathoms or on the day of the ride.
For more information visit www.tourdecape.net or call Cape Coral Special Events at 239-573-3123.