Annual Tour de Pierce Set For June 24

Cycling fans, mark your calendars.

June 24 is the annual Tour de Pierce, a varied-length bicycle ride through central Pierce County that promotes fitness, fun, bicycle awareness and safety.

The ride, which is open to riders of all abilities, begins at the Gold Parking Lot at the Western Washington Fairgrounds in Puyallup and winds through Puyallup, Sumner and adjacent farm lands. A rest stop is planned at McAlder Elementary, south of Sumner, with refreshments, entertainment and restrooms for riders.

And a little – or a lot of – rain won’t prevent the race from going on.

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 course opens at 7:30 a.m. and closes at 2:30 p.m.

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

The 12-mile route is a flat stretch that is suitable for families and novice riders. There is also a 30-mile loop, which extends past farms, flower fields and more, with scenic views of Mount Rainier; and a 50-mile course through Puyallup, Sumner, South Prairie and Orting.

Registration can be completed online or on the day of the race. The advance price is $12 per person, $36 for a family of four ($9 per each additional family rider) and $8 per person for groups of 12 or more. The latter must pre-register together by June 8. Race T-shirts are $15.

Day-of registration, which must be done between 7:15-11:30 a.m. is $17 per person, $51 for a family of four ($12 per each additional family rider) and $20 for a race shirt.

The registration fee includes refreshments, entertainment and a race bib.

For more information, click here.