The Tour de Palm Springs brings thousands of riders to
the Coachella Valley to participate and help raise
funds for the many charities that benefit from this yearly event. The generosity and hard work by those involved is shown in many
ways and this allows great things to happen for their chosen charities.
 |
| Tour de Palm Springs 2014 |
Tim Esser, a local resident, held the first bike ride in
1998 with 400 participants and raised over $20,000.00. It wasn’t long before he formed a non-profit
organization called CVSPIN, for Coachella Valley Serves People in Need that has been raising funds ever since then.
 |
| Travelling along Dinah Shore Blvd in Cathedral City, CA |
The event progressed with a bigger ride the following year
in 1999 by the new name of Tour de Palm Springs and it hasn’t looked back with funds raised in excess of $1,000,000.00. The event brings cyclists in from all over the country.
 |
| Cyclists travel west toward their destination in Palm Springs |
Although there are many markings to make us
aware of this event, caution is recommended when driving past any cyclist. There were over 30,000 riders and although
that covers several different routes at varying times, it still causes some
congestion at times.
 |
| Cyclists follow traffic rules on their tour |
The shortest route is a 1 mile for beginners and other
choices are 5 mi., 10 mi, 25 mi., 50 mi., with the 100 mile route added in
2001. There are 1,2 and 3 mile
walks. A 3 wheeler is allowed as well as
a buggy/cart for those taking younger children.
 |
| Support and Gear stop for refreshments |
There are several Support and Gear (SAG) stops along the way
for food to make a sandwich, nutritional bars, water, bicycle support and if
needed, First Aid. The weather can vary
21-26C (70-80F) in the Valley in February so heat can be an issue. Helmets are mandatory in
California so they are worn by everyone and as
many safety precautions as possible are taken.
 |
| Vendors in downtown Palm Springs for the bicycle tour |
There are vendors lining the streets of
Palm Springs during the ride event weekend,
and offer information or product for sale.
There is a free entertainment event offered on Friday night, raffle
tickets sold for great prizes and lots of visits among riders.
 |
| Lots of information at the MS booth |
The MS booth was there to pass on information. They benefit from the generosity of those who
give to the Tour de Palm Springs. There
is much research necessary for multiple sclerosis and we hope to see that day a cure is found will arrive soon. Click here to learn more
about
MS in Canada
or watch an interview with Jack Osborne on the
American MS Society link.
 |
| Incredible view at the Tour de Palm Springs in California |
This ambitious charity event shows the heart of the Coachella Valley and the results of the
hardworking volunteers and participants.
It goes a long way in helping the charities in the area so we tip our
hats to those special people who are involved.
Always drive with caution when you see cyclists.
