The 2020 Tour de Lebanon Valley is now set to take place on Saturday, July 18 due to the COVID-19 crisis. The event was originally scheduled for Saturday, June 13.
This change in date will give the event planners extra time to prepare for the event with the current health guidelines for Lebanon County.
“The planning committee is committed to creating the best and safest ride this year,” said Laurie Crawford, executive director of the Lebanon Valley Conservancy and member of the Tour de Lebanon Valley planning committee, in a press release.
All the routes start at The Lebanon Valley Expo Center and are within the Lebanon Valley. Cyclists can choose to ride a metric century (62 miles), a rolling mid-distance (26 or 32 miles), or a family route (6 miles).
Registration costs $40 for the metric century and mid-distance routes. After July 5, registration will increase to $55. The family ride is $5 per rider. The start times for each race are still being determined due to adaptations being made for physical distancing.
Online registration ends on July 17 and all pre-registered riders will receive a gift. Participants may also register on the day of the event, which will take place rain or shine.
Helmets are required for all riders and children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult rider.
The routes will be marked by July 13, granting those who have registered access to ride on their own. Further details will be sent out through email to riders who have signed up.
“We want to ensure the cyclists have an enjoyable experience in a safe environment,” stated Nikki Mauer, executive director of the Community Health Council of Lebanon County and chair of the event, in a press release. “We proposed a few changes last month and as the situation continues to evolve, so may the changes.”
The final judgment regarding the planning and execution of the Tour de Lebanon Valley will be made on July 5. New strategies may need to be put in place in order to have this year’s event. This may include hand-washing stations at all the water stations, volunteers wearing masks and gloves, and extended start times to ensure the riders are far apart from each other. The riders will be asked to practice physical distancing while riding.
This year’s event proceeds will be donated to the bicycle playground project at Coleman Memorial Park. The bicycle playground project’s purpose is to teach today’s youth the enjoyment of cycling and to educate the general public on proper bike etiquette and safety.
Read More: City Council authorizes Mayor’s plan for bicycle playground at Coleman park
The 2020 Tour de Lebanon Valley is made possible by The Lebanon Valley Bicycle Coalition, the Lebanon Valley Conservancy, the Community Health Council of Lebanon County, and Visit Lebanon Valley.
To find future updates, information and registration of the event, visit the event’s website or Facebook page.
Read all of LebTown’s COVID-19 coverage here.
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