Pierce County Tour de Pierce Bike Ride

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Thanks to all the volunteers and 825 participants who took part in the 2009 Tour de Pierce!

Tour de Pierce riders

Tour de Pierce is a a summer bicycle ride through central Pierce County for fitness and fun, promoting bicycle awareness and safety. Tour de Pierce offers enjoyable cycling from 7:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 28, 2009.

The ride begins at the Gold Parking lot of the Western Washington Fairgrounds in Puyallup and winds through Puyallup, Sumner, and adjacent farm lands. A rest stop at McAlder Elementary School, south of Sumner, will offer light refreshments, entertainment and restrooms for riders.

Tour de Pierce riders are required to wear CPSC approved helmets.

The course will be clearly marked with 'Dan Henry' symbols on the roadway. Riders will receive a map of the course the day of the ride.

The 12-mile route provides a flat, easy ride suitable for families and novice riders.
A new 30-mile loop extends the ride past farms, flower fields and more scenic views of Pierce County's waterways and Mt. Rainier.
The 50-mile course is also new, traveling now through parts of Puyallup, Sumner, Bonney Lake, South Prairie and Orting.

REGISTRATION

Print and complete registration form .
On line at active.com for a small fee.

Pre-registration fee:

$12 per person
$35 per family of four.
$8 per t-shirt
Groups of 12 or more that pre-register together, the cost is $8.00 per person. Contact Cara at (253)798-4739 for more information.
Pre-registration deadline is June 15, 2009

Day-of-ride Registration:

$17 per person
$45 per family
$15 per t-shirt

Registration fee includes day-of-ride refreshments and entertainment, and number bib.

top

Start/Finish

Tour de Pierce starts at the Western Washington Fairgrounds GOLD Parking Lot, located diagonally across from the Puyallup Fair's Corner Entrance on South Meridian and 9th Ave SE, in downtown Puyallup. The course opens at 7:30 a.m. and closes at 2:30 p.m.

Riders may start anytime between 7:30 a.m. and 12 noon.
Registration will remain open until noon.
The staging area will close at 2:30 p.m.
A sag wagon will sweep the course at the end of the day.

Directions/Parking

Tour dog

From I-5 take Exit 127 (SR512 heading eastbound).
From 512, take the Meridian Street South Exit.
Turn left on Meridian
Turn right on 9th Ave SE to the GOLD parking lot.

The Fairground's GOLD Parking Lot is the designated parking area for Tour de Pierce. The GOLD parking lot diagonally across the Puyallup Fair's Corner Entrance on Meridian Street.

There is no charge for parking.

SAG WAGON/COMMUNICATIONS

The Tour de Pierce course will be monitored by a sag wagon to assist stranded riders. The sag wagon will sweep the course at the end of the day. Ride monitors will be stationed along the Tour de Pierce route to provide traffic control and emergency assistance. Radio communication will be provided volunteers from ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Services).

top

Fun Facts

NO TRAINING WHEELS OR TRICYCLES
The Tour de Pierce course is on local roads where traffic will be encountered. No tricycles or training wheels are allowed. It is a parental decision to determine if a child is prepared to ride the Tour de Pierce.

FOOD
Bring your own water. Each rider should carry a water bottle on the ride. Stores and restaurants can be found along the route in Puyallup, Sumner, and Orting, or bring food from home. Refreshments will be provided to riders at the rest stop.

COMMEMORATIVE T-SHIRTS
Tour de Pierce T-shirts will be available to purchase the day of the ride for just $15. There will be a limited number of T-shirts available at the ride, so you may want to pre-order your shirt to guarantee one.

CLOTHING
Ride in comfortable clothing. Be prepared and bring sun protection and rainwear.

PHOTOS
Visit www.tacomanative.com to view and purchase photos of the 2008 Tour de Pierce.

Top

ABOUT THE PROCEEDS

Tour de Pierce is sponsored by the Pierce County Parks and Recreation Department. The proceeds from this ride are used to fund programs for bicycle education and youth in Pierce County.

QUESTIONS ABOUT TOUR DE PIERCE?

Contact Cara by e-mail at ccross@co.pierce.wa.us or by phone at 253-798-4739 for more information.

Bike Helmet Sales

Tour de Pierce riders are required to wear CPSC approved helmets.

The Good Samaritan Hospital's Celebrate Seniority will be selling custom fit bike and multisport helmets at the Tour de Pierce bike from 7:30-11:30 AM.

Bike and multisport helmets will be available for kids and adults.
Bike helmets range from $7-$10 depending on the helmet model.
The person who will be wearing the helmet must be present for a custom fit.
A limited number of bike helmets will be available.

IT IS THE LAW! Wear a helmet every time you ride. It could save your life!

Wearing a helmet every time you ride can reduce the risk of a head injury by 85%. Be head smart and wear a helmet every time you ride a bike, rollerblade or skateboard.

Bicycle Safety Tips

Always wear a helmet.
Look before changing lanes, passing or turning.
Use hand signals for turns, slowing and stopping.
Stop at red lights, stop signs and yield signs.
Ride with traffic. Bicycle are vehicles. Obey traffic laws.
Make certain your bike is in good working condition.