Criterium at DC Ranch and Tour de Scottsdale to Draw Thousands to DC Ranch
8/17/11 - About 1,500 cyclists from around the Valley and around the nation and hundreds of spectators are expected at the 8th annual Tour de Scottsdale on Oct. 2. The ride, which launches from DC Ranch in north Scottsdale, is a 70-mile tour around Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve and benefits the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy (MSC).
A new element to the Tour this year is a 30-mile “mini Tour,” which includes some of the challenging climbs of the 70-mile route but is geared toward novice cyclists. Also new to the traditional Tour in 2011 is a new finish line location, which has been moved to the corner of Thompson Peak Parkway and 90th Street to accommodate spectators.
The Tour will be preceded by two other events. A Criterium will be staged by White Mountain Road Club at DC Ranch on Saturday, Sept. 24. All races will launch from Canyon Village at DC Ranch and cyclists of all skill level are encouraged to participate. The 1-kilometer (6/10 of a mile) Criterium race, or “Crit,” is a bike race on a short, closed course. The average speed and intensity are appreciably higher than traditional races.
In addition, MSC will host a Walk, Run & Roll on Oct. 1 in DC Ranch. This featured activity of MSC’s 20th anniversary launch of McDowell Sonoran Month includes a 5K along trails in DC Ranch and the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Families can walk, run or bike ride while MSC volunteer stewards support a desert scavenger hunt along the way.
“Last year’s cycling event exceeded all of our wildest expectations,” said Suzanne Walden Wells, executive director of the DC Ranch Community Council. “This year, we’re focusing our attention on growing the popular Tour de Scottsdale ride among beginner cyclists. The addition of the 30-mile ride will offer something for those who aren’t quite ready for 70-miles, yet still want to participate in the festivities.”
As always, safety is top of mind for race organizers and additional measures will be enacted this year to keep cyclists safe. Discussions with the Maricopa County Department of Transportation resulted in the removal of coning along the 8-mile stretch of the course between Rio Verde and Fountain Hills. Tour de Scottsdale orientation meetings will be held prior to the event to provide cyclists with crucial information regarding route conditions, updated cautions, and safe cycling tips. Meetings will take place multiple dates and times; attendance by every Tour de Scottsdale cyclist is strongly encouraged.
The Tour de Scottsdale is hosted by the DC Ranch Community Council and benefits the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy (MSC), a non-profit organization dedicated to stewardship of Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Over 450 trained volunteer stewards, easily recognized by their blue shirts, contribute thousands of hours of service to protecting the land and engaging our community with this living treasure. The Tour is the kick-off event for MSC’s 17th annual “Season of Discovery,” which runs from October through April.
The Tour is sanctioned by USA Cycling, an organization that promotes, governs, and works to build the sport of bicycle racing, assist with athlete development and sustain international competitive excellence. The top finishers in the 70-mile Tour de Scottsdale will be awarded gifts and merchandise from sponsoring cycling shops, in keeping with USA Cycling regulations. The Tour will be timed using the Chronotrack timing system, which features a disposable chip that accurately records each individual’s time from start line to finish. USA Cycling has also sanctioned the Criterium. Sanctioning allows category 2-5 riders participating in either Crit or Tour the opportunity to improve pro cycling status.
