Hundreds of Bicyclists to Invade Cape October 1

Listed by Bicycling Magazine as the "Reader's Choice" ride in October for the state of Missouri, the sixth annual Tour de Cape is set to host hundreds of bicyclists from throughout the Midwest and Mid-South. The event will take place Saturday, October 1.

Sponsored by the Optimist Club, the ride offers four tour routes: a 15-mile route, 30-mile route, 62-mile route and a 100-mile route. The 62- and 100-mile routes will cross the Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge.

Routes have been planned to showcase the autumn beauty of southeast Missouri and southern Illinois and to feature easy-ride flat stretches, rolling hills, and challenging climbs.

Jan Gerard, tour coordinator, says although there are many bicycle tours, few are as scenic as Tour de Cape. "It's a wonderful way to acquaint bicycle enthusiasts from a wide area with our natural resources and all the ambience that Cape Girardeau has to offer," Gerard says.

The entry fee for those registering by September 19 is $20. The entry fee includes an event bag, a chance to win attendance prizes, a post-ride pasta dinner, and a long-sleeved commemorative shirt. After September 19, the fee raises to $25 and does not include a shirt.

The money raised will support a scholarship fund for the Mississippi Valley therapeutic Horsemanship Program, a program that provides children will disabilities specialized therapy using horses.

For more information, contact Jan Gerard at 573-335-7366 or log onto www.tourdecape.com.