August 25, 2015 – The 27th Annual Tour of the Valley bike ride will be held in Grand Junction, Colorado on August 29, 2015. The recreational bike ride travels through the Grand Valley and is a fundraiser for Community Hospital of Grand Junction.
We caught up with event organizer Karen Martsolf and asked her to tell us about the ride.
Cycling Utah: Tell us about the courses.
Tour of the Valley: Cyclists who have enjoyed the Tour of the Valley over the past 26 years know what spectacular cycling the Grand Valley offers. Our beautiful valley encompasses an inspiring variety of landscape that is sure to rouse your cycling spirit; from the rolling vineyard hills and peach orchards of Palisade and the farm fields of Fruita, to the spectacular sculptured canyons and red rock spires of the Colorado National Monument, a unit of the national park system, you will be in awe of the landscape diversity of this magical valley.
CU: What are the highlights? What are the ride distance options?
100 mile, individual – The century ride offers riders the best of the Community Hospital Tour of the Valley! This route option takes riders over the beautiful Colorado National Monument with two rest stops along the way before heading to Palisade to enjoy some fresh Palisade peaches. Riders then head back to Canyon View Medical Plaza for the post ride party where local beer on tap, live music and amazing BBQ awaits! $85
75 mile, individual – Want the Tour of the Valley without the Colorado National Monument? This is the ride for you. This route option takes riders to Fruita and allows cyclists to head straight Palisade to ride among the gorgeous vineyards before heading back for the post ride party. $85
50 mile, Individual – Ride over the legendary Colorado National Monument, a unit of the national park system, then join us back at Canyon View Medical Plaza for the post ride party. $75
30 mile, Individual – Enjoy a scenic ride out to Fruita and back with a rest stop along the way. $60
30 mile, Family Ride – Best value for families! This option allows families to register two adults and children under the age of 15 all for one low price! $125
CU: The ride is a fundraiser for the Community Hospital of Grand Junction. Tell us more about the fundraising aspect of the ride. Who benefits from the fundraising?
Past proceeds have gone to support the health education and wellness activities offered free to the public by Community Hospital, the Neil Bradford Exercise Science /Sports Management Scholarship fund at Colorado Mesa University, the Colorado Mesa University Cycling, and the Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Trail Association (COPMOBA.)
CU: The rest stops are a highlight of the ride. What are some of the unique things that you do? What support will you have?
Rest stops are located at approximately every 15-20 miles. Each stop will offer water, sports drinks, fruit (including fresh Palisade peaches at the Palisade rest stop) and other food. Porta potties will also be provided at the rest stops.
CU: Where can people stay in Grand Junction? Is there a sponsor motel? What about camping?
Candlewood Suites (654 Market Street, Grand Junction, CO 81506) which is located just one mile from the new starting location, is offering Tour of the Valley riders a special discount for lodging. Candlewood Suites is offering a $99.00 rate for a one night stay and a $79.00 rate if guests stay for two nights. Click here to book your special TOV rate online, or call (970) 255-8093 and ask for the Tour of the Valley discount.
CU: The post event party sounds like a ton of fun. Tell us more.
11 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Sign-up for a free mini-sports massage after your ride (generously provided by) Intellitec College. Massages are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. 11:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Post ride BBQ served at Canyon View Medical Plaza. Tents, tables and chairs will be set up, guests are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs to enjoy the post-ride party; music, beverages and snacks. Live music by Zolopht, beverages provided by Kannah Creek and Palisade Breweries. Drawings for prizes will be held between 1 – 3 p.m.
CU: Is there anything else you’d like to add?
NEW This Year!! Please join us for a pre-ride party! The pre-registration party will be held on Friday, August 28th from 4pm to 8 pm at Candlewood Suites (654 Market Street, Grand Junction, CO 81506). Riders can pick up their registration packet and enjoy light appetizers and beverages.
For full details and to download route maps, please visit YourCommunityHospital.com.
Event Details:
August 29 — Tour of the Valley|, Grand Junction, CO, The Tour is not a race; we encourage you to set your own pace and enjoy beautiful western Colorado. Several route options available including the 100 mile route that takes riders over the Colorado National Monument. Start and finish at Canyon View Medical Plaza., Morgan Taylor, 800-621-0926, 970-256-6222, [email protected], yourcommunityhospital.com/Tour_of_the_Valley.cfm
