WHITEWATER REGION (Westmeath) — There is a Tour de Whitewater 2018, said Mike Wendorf, one of 15 committee members for the event.
Explaining, he said, this second TdW (Tour de Whitewater) falls on the heels of Tour De Whitewater Canada 150, which proved to be very successful. There was just over 300 participants last year, which was held July 8 and there were four categories of distances: 10, 30, 50 and 100.
This year, there are more distances to choose from, he said. There is a 10 km Family Ride, 30/50/100/150 km road rides and 60km primarily gravel road ride. All route maps can be found on the facebook page Tour de Whitewater WDRA Cycling Event and the blogspot tourdewhitewater.blogspot.ca/
It’s expected there will be more participants than last year, Mr. Wendorf said.
The committee has partnered with the Westmeath & District Recreation Association (WDRA), the Township of Whitewater Region, the Westmeath 4H Club and the Ottawa Valley Cycling Active Transportation Association (OVCATA).
“The event not only encourages healthy active living across all ages, but it also showcases our community and the excellent cycling opportunities that exist in and across our rural landscape,” Mr. Wendorf said.
It is very much a community event with a large number of volunteers, individuals and groups, such as the Riverview Senior Social Club (RSSC),who have volunteered to do everything from parking, signage along routes, greeting riders and processing registration, he explained.
All money raised stays in the community to promote a healthy lifestyle, he said.
Registration is on-line and closes July 6th at 5 p.m. The cost is $30 and this entitles the registrant to the 4H BBQ dinner. Register before June 15th and receive a pair of limited Tour de Whitewater socks. Children 10 and under registering for the 10km family ride pay $10.
Walk-in registration will be available for $40, cash only, on the day of the event.
The Whitewater Fire Department offers support along with Renfrew County Paramedics and the local OPP.
GearHeads, Jamieson Travel & Valley Cycle Tours, & Wilderness Tours are major contributors. Bike mechanics will be on hand to help with technical needs, as will an Athletic Therapist to help alleviate any post ride aches and pains.
“The rides are self supported and meant to be fun,” Mr. Wendorf said, adding, “There are no prizes for speed although we anticipate some friendly rivalries.
“We encourage cyclists to select a distance that allows them to finish by noon at the latest.”
There are many door prizes. Please see the FB Page or BlogSpot for details as they are continually updated.
Anyone registered can win a door prize, but you have to be present to take home a prize if your name is drawn.
All event activities take place at the Westmeath Recreation Centre Arena, Hall & Ball Diamond
The WDRA Community Big Breakfast is open to everyone … so come out to support the association and see the riders off.
To register, and for more information, including maps of the cycling routes, go to the facebook page listed earlier in the story or tourdewhitewater.blogspot.ca/or email [email protected]
