Olympic Gold Medalist Kristin Armstrong participates in Tour de Palm Springs

One of America's Most Successful Bicycle Rides Benefiting Charity

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Chris Martello

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One of America’s Most Successful Bicycle Rides Benefiting Charity:

12^th Annual Tour de Palm Springs

Riders, Sponsors and Charities encouraged to participate with

 Olympic Gold Medalist Kristin Armstrong

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. – January 4, 2010 – Celebrating 12 years and raising over a million dollars for local charities since 1999, the 2010 Tour de Palm Springs will be held Saturday, February 13, with festivities kicking off on Friday the 12^th. 

“Growing from 400 participants in 1998 and approaching 10,000 this year, the event attracts the avid cyclist to the 50 or 100 mile ride, as well as valley families wanting a great fitness outing,” said Tim Esser, original founder of the event.  “Riders are also able to take breaks, and enjoy a number of festivities along the ride.” 

Premier and syndicated morning show radio personalities Mark and Brian of the Los Angeles based "Mark and Brian Show" will entertain audiences live at the event.  As two-time winners of Billboard Magazine's "Air Personalities of the Year," Mark and Brian are also credited with achieving the radio industry's highest honor -- The National Association Broadcasters' Marconi Award for "Air Personalities of the Year."

In addition, Olympic Gold Medalist Kristin Armstrong, one of the most accomplished American cyclists of all time, joins riders in support of this important even benefitting local valley charities.  Ms. Armstrong will also hold a special Women’s Cycling Skills Camp prior to the event February 10 to 12 in Palm Springs, open to women 30 years and over who are amateur, recreational road cyclists from beginner to intermediate.  The cost is $500 per person.

As one of the largest charity bicycle events on the west coast the event offers a broad range of activities such as live entertainment with over 65 bands of all types performing, an exciting raffle, face painting, cheerleaders and more.  In addition, hundreds of volunteers feed, nourish, serve and entertain the riders from start to finish.

Kick-off events and the ride itself will begin at the Spa Resort and Casino Parking Lot F on the 400 block of North Indian Canyon.  Festival de Ciclistas begins at 12 noon on Friday, February 12 going until 9 p.m.

The ride starts Saturday morning at 7 a.m. for the 100 mile ride, 8:00 a.m. for the 55 mile ride, 9:00 a.m. for the 25 mile ride, and 9:30 a.m. for the 10 and 5 mile ride.  Riders can enter the ride by going to www.tourdepalmsprings.com.  Depending on the route, registration fees range from $10 to $60. 

Non-profit valley organizations are encouraged to sign-up riders and receive money toward their own organization by doing so.  Organizations, as well as vendors interested in the Festival de Ciclistas, should contact the office at

(760) 674-4700.   

For more information visit www.tourdepalmsprings.com or call the office at

(760) 674-4700.  For more information on Kristin Armstrong’s Women’s Cycling Skills Camp visit www.kristinarmstrongacademy.com.

Tour de Palm Springs

The first Tour de Palm Springs was held in 1998 with 400 riders. The 2009 ride had over 8,500 riders, making it the largest non-profit bicycle event of its kind west of the Mississippi.  In 2009, over $150,000 was raised and donated to over 150 different Coachella Valley non-profit organizations, and in 2008 over $200,000 was raised.

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