The March 19 event has three routes measuring 20, 40 and 60 miles, which will all depart from Houston City Hall at 8:30 a.m., 8 a.m. and 7:30 a.m., respectively. Organizers said they change the route every year and wanted to showcase more areas southwest of the city.
Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, center, and Missouri City Council Member Don Smith, right, at the 2014 Tour de Houston.[/caption]“We wanted to get out to some of our parks in that southwest corridor,” said Susan Christian, director of the Mayor’s Office of Special Events. “Going through Missouri city is a really cool route.”
The longest race route will eventually follow South Gessner Road onto Texas Parkway, to Buffalo Run Park and Blueridge Park and then loop back to Hwy. 90.
Missouri City Council Member Don Smith has ridden in the race and said he will participate again this year. He said the decision was made solely by the organizers.
“One of the stops is in Buffalo Run Park, so we’re excited about that,” he said. “We’re happy to have them.”
Rest stops offering snacks and drinks for riders will be at 10-mile increments along the routes. Christian said mechanical support for cyclists is also available along the routes.
Registration is open and can be done online or by mail until March 9. People can register individually or in groups at all skill levels.
The race is held by the city of Houston and Apache Corporation. Proceeds from the race go to the Houston Parks Board and the Houston Reforestation Program, Christian said. The event is also a recommended BP MS150 training ride.
“We encourage people to get your bike out and make sure you have the proper gear, make sure you have a helmet,” she said.
Race information can be found at www.houstontx.gov/tourdehouston
