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If you are out early on Saturday, Aug. 22, watch out for cyclists who will be setting out from Menlo-Atherton High School for the annual Tour de Menlo bicycle ride.
In prior years, more than 500 riders have taken part in the local ride, which offers three options, including a 65-mile route to Belmont and that then heads south to Portola Valley, Los Altos, the Madrone picnic area on Stevens Creek Road, and back to M-A. There are also shorter routes available – 45 and 35 miles – that follow roughly the same course without the Belmont leg, and also wind up at the high school for lunch.
The ride, in its 13th year, is sponsored by the Almanac and the Rotary Club of Menlo Park Foundation. All proceeds benefit need-based scholarships awarded by the Rotary Club, and the Almanac’s Holiday Fund, which supports 10 local nonprofits.
Riders can take on challenging routes, or a virtually flat 35-mile ride that even beginning riders can enjoy. The 65-miler features just over 3,000 feet of climbing and the 45-miler somewhat less.
Food is also a big part of the Tour, with three major rest stops along the way. The Belmont stop is staffed and supplied by Facebook, a major ride sponsor. The Portola Valley and Madrone stops are stocked by Whole Foods, another major sponsor, so riders will hardly go hungry no matter which route they choose.
And then there is a delicious post-ride barbecue lunch with plenty of salads back at Menlo-Atherton High School, catered by Lutticken’t deli, a Menlo Park institution on the Alameda de las Pulgas. And a jazz trio led by Rick Giardella will provide entertainment during the lunch.
For more details and to register, visit TourdeMenlo.com.