February 25, 2009

Contact: Scott Chandler

Chico Velo Cycling Club

chandler@... 

Ride honoring Ed McLaughlin – local bike advocate and Chico Velo Board Member – Slated for March 8 

Chico, CA — On December 21, 2007, Ed McLaughlin – then General Manager of Chico Velo Cycling Club and a Northern California bicycle advocate – was riding on a bike path with other riders when he hit a bollard -- a metal post set in the middle of a bike path to prevent cars from driving on the path.  

Support for the community's best-known cycling advocate was overwhelming after his accident, and to help raise money for injured cyclists like him, the tax exempt Chico Cyclist's Care Fund was formed in 2008. The Chico Cyclist's Care Fund's charter is to help any Butte County cyclist -- who sustains injuries from cycling -- with medical expenses.  

To honor Ed’s continued spirit and determination to make Chico a better place to live, the 2nd Annual Tour de Ed fundraising ride will take place on Sunday, March 8, 2009 at 10:00 AM. 

The Tour will take riders on one of two routes:  

·         A casual 6 mile loop through Lower Bidwell Park (perfect for families,)

·         A 20 mile ride to Durham and back on quiet country roads when the almond orchards are in near full bloom. There will be a rest stop in Durham. 

The ride will start at the Chico City Hall parking lot at 10:00 am, with registration opening at 8:00 am. The entry fee will be $25 and all proceeds will go to the Chico Cyclist’s Care Fund. All riders will receive a free t-shirt and commemorative wrist band. 

History of Advocacy and Success 

During McLaughlin’s 20 plus year reign, Chico Velo has accomplished many major milestones. A few of the awards Chico was earned include: 

·        Best Bike Town – 1997, Bicycling! Magazine

·        Bicycle Friendly Community, Bronze Award – 2004, League of American Bicyclists

·        Wildflower Century – Top Ten Century, Bicycling! Magazine 

Chico Velo currently hosts four annual century rides (100 miles in one day) and two overnight tours, and brings riders from all over Northern California, Nevada and Oregon to participate in them. The largest of them is the well-known Wildflower Century, which is held in late April and attracts 4,000 riders to Chico for the weekend. The Wildflower Century starts and finishes at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds – the only facility in the area large enough to handle the event. 

Chico Velo Cycling Club was formed in 1980 and serves the interest of bicyclists in the Butte County area through education and advocacy. Membership to the club is $10 a year. Further information about the club and ride schedules can be obtained at the Chico Velo website at www.chicovelo.org.