BY CAROLINE WOON
In search of fresh air, blue skies and rugged terrain, hundreds of cyclists are preparing for an adventure that comes only once a year.
The Tour de Foothills is expected to attract about 750 participants to Memorial Park in Upland on Saturday, Nov. 8, for a morning of food, festivities and on-the-road fun.
Sponsored by the Upland Chamber of Commerce, the event challenges riders to tackle one of two routes: a 31-mile circuit (also known as a half-metric century) and a 62-mile trek (a metric century).
Both courses begin and end in Upland and wind their way through parts of Rancho Cucamonga and Claremont. The half-century course features close to 1,000 feet of uphill climbing, while the century ride also reaches into parts of La Verne, San Dimas and Glendora, and boasts nearly 3,000 feet of ascent.
But ride director Greg Armstrong says the Tour de Foothills is much more than a test of brute strength and physical endurance — it’s a way to unite members of the community in pursuit of a common goal.
"As with any Chamber of Commerce function, we were looking to raise funds and promote local businesses," he said. "Since its first year, the event has continued to draw a huge following while generating a real synergy between the Chamber and the city of Upland."
Dozens of Tour organizers and volunteers will be out in force hours before the first ride to ensure a smooth and seamless run.
During the initial leg of the course, cyclists can safely weave through traffic with the aid of police motorcycle escorts. Each mapped route will have manned rest stops, roaming assistance vehicles and ride support from the Cycling Connection, a Rancho Cucamonga-based recreational cycling club.
Beyond the finish line, weary riders will be greeted with an elaborate post-ride gala that includes a catered lunch, a live DJ and at least two dozen purveyors of cycling apparel and accessories.
Local retailers, including Coates Cyclery, Incycle, Competitive Edge, REI and Terry Bicycles, are set to raffle everything from jerseys to bicycle seats, gift certificates to hydration packs.
Aside from being a successful collaboration between the Chamber of Commerce, the city of Upland, community businesses and cycling enthusiasts, Armstrong believes the Tour de Foothills is building another mutually beneficial relationship in the process.
"I think the long-term value of this event lies in its ability to bring awareness to motorists that they ought to be willing to share the road with cyclists," he said. "With rising gas prices, it’s more important than ever to call attention to this issue and to do everything we can to foster safety and harmony on the road."
Tour de Foothills
Nov. 8; 7 a.m. metric century start, 9 a.m. half metric century start (909) 931-4108
www.tourdefoothills.com
