Tour De Menlo Takes Off Saturday

MENLO PARK, CA — Expect to see more cyclists than normal out in Menlo Park and the surrounding area on Aug. 17 as hundreds are expected to participate in the annual Tour de Menlo.

Riders may participate in a 35-, 46-, or 65-mile course. All start and finish at Menlo Atherton High School.

If a little inspiration is what you need, consider the 65-miler which will feature Christine Thorburn, who has won multiple U.S. championships. Or pedal in the 46-miler with Tour de France veteran Fast Freddie Rodriquez.

Thorburn will start the longer route at 8 a.m. Saturday. It goes up to Belmont before returning to Woodside/Portola Valley and then south to the final rest stop. Rodriquez will lead the mid-length circuit starting at 8:30 a.m. This one has an elevation gain of about 1,200 feet. Both rides will start near the registration table.

The 35-mile route is touted as a good ride for beginners because it is mostly flat. The course heads out Valparaiso to the Alameda de las Pulgas, turns south across the Stanford campus and then stays on Foothill Expressway to Stevens Canyon Road and the Madrone Park rest stop before circling back to the high school.

It was in 2004 that the Tour de Menlo was started by the Rotary Club of Menlo Park and The Almanac community newspaper. Proceeds benefit both, with The Almanac’s share going to its annual Holiday Fund.

It is possible to register on the ride day. Cost is from $65 to $75. The 65-miler starts between 7-9 a.m., the 46-miler from 8-9 a.m., and the 35-miler from 9-10 a.m. For more information, go online https://www.raceplanner.com/register/index/2QITAJNIAF1RVV4?sid=ee59fa7ada364e549a153fc0a1575fee or contact Tom Gibboney at 650-575-2279 or email tourdemenlo@gmail.com.