Cyclists who are ready to test their mettle on some of the Peninsula’s steepest terrain will have an opportunity this Sunday, September 24, when the third annual le Tour de Menlo rolls out beginning at 7 a.m. at Menlo-Atherton High School.
The Tour offers two courses, an “extreme hills” version with 5,000 feet of climbing in 50 miles, or a tamer, 30-mile route with about 2,000 feet of hills. Either ride is a good workout and all proceeds from the event will be used to support tutoring and scholarship projects of the Rotary Club of Menlo Park.
Another important feature of the 50-miler is an optional timing card, so riders can log in at the bottom of two hills and clock out when they reach the summit. Prizes from Menlo Velo bicycle shop and Maui Jim sunglasses will be awarded to the King and Queen of the Hill for the best combined times on the two hills.
Riders can register at TourdeMenlo.com through Friday, September 22 (ignore an earlier deadline, which was moved up) or on the day of ride from 7 to 9 a.m. at Menlo-Atherton High School, 555 Middlefield Road in Atherton. Mailed entries should be post-marked no later than September 19 to register on time.
Riders will head north from the start to Redwood City, San Carlos, Belmont and Hillsborough in a series of hills that will include the two timed climbs.
The ride will be fully supported, with a major rest stop at the halfway point in Belmont. Drinks and snacks will be available all morning, as well as SAG services. Route maps and instructions on how the climbs will be timed will be available at the start
This year’s Tour will benefit the scholarship and tutoring programs of the Rotary Club of Menlo Park, cosponsor of the ride, along with the Almanac.
The ride’s $30 entry fee includes a T-shirt. The deadline for online advance entries is Friday, September 22, although late registration will be available for $35 on the day of the event.
Call Tom at 854-2626, ext. 222, for more information.
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