Tour de Manure Celebrates Eighth Year on June 18
Sierraville, Calif. – The Tour de Manure Sierra Valley Metric Century pedals through the Sierra Valley for its eighth year on Sat., June 18, raising funds for the Sierraville Fire and Rescue Department.
Gaining a cult following among cyclists of all ability levels over the last seven years, the Tour de Manure offers 30, 42 and 62 mile routes through the highly scenic yet mostly flat Sierra Valley. Registration is capped at 450 riders, and a pre-registration price of $60 (which increases to $70 one week prior on June 11) gets participants a “roaring bull” T-shirt, vehicle support, rest stop food and drink, and a celebratory post-ride party held at the Sierraville Fire station. Kids 12 and under ride for $30.
“The Tour de Manure is a super fun ride that really showcases the Sierra Valley’s incredible beauty along with the down-right friendliness of the locals,” said Dan Wentling, fire chief for Sierraville Fire and Rescue. “It’s quickly becoming a favorite tradition for many returning riders. Thanks to the support of our community in Sierraville and all of the Sierra Valley this event is able to take place and be a whole bunch of fun.”
The route takes cyclists through wetlands, meadows and ranch lands around the headwaters of the Feather River, guided by “turn cowboys” who provide direction to riders at plentiful rest stops located along the way, while also offering refreshment in the form of locally made treats and thirst-quenching lemonade served by ranchers along the route. Burma Shave-style signage provide humorous inspiration along the way.
At the Sierraville finish line party, firefighters and 4-H kids don’t let the cyclists go hungry. They serve up a hearty midday meal of barbecued chicken and tri tip, along with salad, fruit, garlic bread and homemade desserts, while Michael Hogan and his country band, The Simpletones, provide live musical entertainment off the back of an old Chevy truck. Draught beer from the Brewing Lair served with chips and salsa from Los Dos Hermanos rounds out the day’s festivities.
Proceeds support the Sierraville Fire Department’s training programs and other needed equipment expenses. The department currently has about 15 active volunteers, headed by Jeff McCollum, Dan Wentling and Jay Huebert.
Register in advance for the ride at Active.com or download a mail-in registration form at TourdeManure.org. Event organizers also accept day-of registration on tour day (June 18) beginning at 7 a.m. Riders head out on the tour between 8 and 9 a.m. from the Sierraville Firehouse located 102 Main Street, which is adjacent to the corner of Highways 89 and 49. Plan to start the tour early to avoid the afternoon breeze. Support comes from the Plumas Sierra Bicycle Club and East Sierra Valley Chamber of Commerce in addition to Sierraville Fire. To sign up or for more information, go to TourdeManure.org.
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