Tour de Lebanon Valley is a twist on a classic Lebanon County ride, offering avid riders and novices the opportunity to explore the countryside, farmlands and historical sites across Lebanon County on Saturday, June 8.
Participants can choose from a 62, 25, or 6-mile family-fun ride. “We wanted to make sure there was a ride for everyone,” shared Nikki Maurer, executive director of the Community Health Council and chair of the event. “You don’t have to live in Lebanon County to sign up… we have riders joining us from several neighboring counties. It’s a beautiful route that anyone would enjoy!”
The rides all begin at the Lebanon Valley Expo Center at 80 Rocherty Road. Start times vary depending on the route selected. The 62-mile riders can depart between 7-8 a.m., 25-mile between 8-9 a.m., and the family ride will have a rolling start from 10-11 a.m. The cost for the 62 or 25-mile ride is $35 (on or before June 5) or $45 (after June 5). The family ride is just $5 per rider. All cyclists are required to wear a helmet, and children 16 years of age and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Tour de Lebanon Valley is presented by The Lebanon Valley Bicycle Coalition, The Lebanon Valley Conservancy and the Community Health Council of Lebanon County, with support from Visit Lebanon Valley. Proceeds from Tour de Lebanon Valley will support the Lebanon Valley Conservancy land preservation program; protecting open space, forests, waterways and other culturally important areas in Lebanon County. Sponsors for the event include APR Supply Co., Wellspan Good Samaritan Hospital, Swatara Coffee Co, Good’s Tree Care, Arthur Funk & Sons, Cornwall Manor, UPMC Pinnacle, Aetna, Bell & Evans, Keller Bros, Bob Phillips State Farm Agency, BenefitWorks, Potena Physical Therapy, and John Salahub, D.P.M.
Visit www.TourdeLebanonValley.com for more information, registration, and sponsorship opportunities. Route maps and merchandise are also available online. The first 100 people to register for the family bike ride will receive a free pass to the Cornwall Furnace, valid any day. Online registration ends June 5, although race-day registrations will be accepted. The event will take place, rain or shine.
About the Lebanon Valley Conservancy
The Lebanon Valley Conservancy was formed in 2000 by a group of dedicated individuals representing various conservation organizations and groups that actively protect natural habitats, historical resources and farmland in Lebanon County. In cooperation with neighboring conservancies and trusts, as well as local and state governments, the Lebanon Valley Conservancy seeks to protect cultural, historical and natural resources. To learn more, call 717.273.6400 or visit www.TLVC.org.
About the Community Health Council of Lebanon County
The Community Health Council of Lebanon County was established in 1994, bringing together stakeholders from across the community to discuss common health goals and collaborative opportunities. The Community Health Council works together to develop and mobilize resources to enhance the health of Lebanon County. For additional information, call 717.270.7935 or visit www.communityhealthcouncil.com.
About The Lebanon Valley Bicycle Coalition
The Lebanon Valley Bicycle Coalition is a 501c-3 organization, founded in 2008, to make the Lebanon Valley region of Pennsylvania a better, safer place to bicycle. The Coalition works with elected officials and municipal, county and state governments, to make certain that new road projects or redesigns consider the needs of bicyclists. They want cyclists to have the necessary skills to be able to bicycle for their transportation, recreation and health. They offer bike rides because they enjoy cycling together. Details on membership and volunteer opportunities can be found at www.bikelebanon.org.
