[DMNA] First-Ever Mpls Bike Tour, Sept 16

[Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association (DMNA) Email List]

MINNEAPOLIS PARK AND RECREATION BOARD UNVEILS ITS INAUGURAL MINNEAPOLIS BIKE
TOUR

A Minnesota biking tradition returns, closing the entire Grand Rounds Byway
System to motorized traffic on September 16

MINNEAPOLIS - July 12, 2007 - Several prominent Minneapolis "spokes"
people hopped on their bikes this week to launch the inaugural Minneapolis
Bike Tour. On July 10, Jon Olson, president of the Minneapolis Park and
Recreation Board, Frank Quilici, president of the Foundation for Minneapolis
Parks, Mayor R.T. Rybak, and Erik "the Bike Man" Saltvold revealed The Tour
routes, discussed the importance of cycling to the city and invited people
to register at www.minneapolisbiketour.com(all while seated on bikes at a
news conference at launched the first-ever Minneapolis Bike Tour at Theodore
Wirth Golf Chalet in front ofto an audience of Twin Cities cyclists and
media.

"We are thrilled to bring the first-ever Minneapolis Bike Tour to the Twin
Cities community this year," said Olson. "By closing the Grand Rounds Byway
System to motorized traffic, we are bringing back a Minnesota biking
tradition tradition and embracing our strong cycling community."

The last time the entire Grand Rounds was closed to traffic was in the early
1970s during "Bicycle Sundays." The Tour will give individuals and families
of all skill levels the opportunity to learn more about Minneapolis and
enjoy the spectacular beauty of the Minneapolis park system at their own
pace, and unhindered by traffic.

"The Grand Rounds Byway system is a phenomenal way to explore Minneapolis
and participate in our strong cycling community," said Rybak, an avid
cyclist. "The Tour will add to Minneapolis' strong history of being one of
the most active cities in the nation."

Following the news conference, After speaking about The Tour and
recreational cycling, Erik "the Bike Man" Saltvold, R.T. Rybak, and Frank
Quilici led cyclists on a demo ride on the Theodore Wirth Parkway.

THE TOUR
The Minneapolis Bike Tour, a family friendly event, will take place Sunday,
September 16, 2007. Participants must begin The Tour between 7:30 a.m. and
9:00 a.m. The Tour will offer 41- and 15-mile routes through Minneapolis'
Grand Rounds Scenic Byway System and will conclude with a post party
featuring exhibits, family entertainment, food and merchandise.

Both courses will begin and end at the Parade Field in Minneapolis. The long
course will span the entire scenic Grand Rounds Byway System, touching upon
several Minneapolis lakes, and traveling along the Mississippi River and
Minnehaha Creek, Minneapolis park system, while the short course offers a
circuit around Lake of the Isles, Lake Calhoun and Lake Harriet.

The Minneapolis Bike Tour is presented by the Minneapolis Park and
Recreation Board and sponsored by Haberman & Associates, Erik's Bike Shops,
Chippewa Spring Water, City Pages and Clear Channel.

REGISTRATION

Early registration runs through Aug. 31
$30 per adult/$10 per child age 5-12/free for children age 4 and under/$70
per family

Late registration starts Sept. 1 and runs through the morning of the event
$40 per adult/$12 per child age 5-12/free for children age 4 and under/$80
per family

For additional information or to register, visit
www.minneapolisbiketour.com, or contact information at minneapolisbiketour.com
or 612.230.6400. 

VOLUNTEERS

Many volunteer opportunities are available, from preparing registration
packets prior to the event to cleaning up at the end of the day.



For additional information, to register or volunteer, visit
www.minneapolisbiketour.com, or contact information at minneapolisbiketour.com
or 612.230.6400. 

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Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association (DMNA), Inc.
Hennepin Center for the Arts
528 Hennepin Ave. S., Suite #310
Minneapolis, MN 55403-1810
(612) 659-1279
info at thedmna.org
http://www.thedmna.org/