In 2005, three local bike enthusiasts started the Tour de Steamboat (TDS) to promote a community event doing what we love; riding bikes and encouraging riders of all levels to join in the fun. The Tour is a resurrected ride originally founded by Kent Eriksen in the 1970’s. Kent is our own local bike legend as founder of Moots Cycles and Kent Eriksen Cycles and he remains our inspiration for the TDS today.
The inaugural “new” TDS hosted 150 riders and celebrated the success over a keg of beer and a basket of Double Z BBQ. The original ride distance was 116 miles. Today the TDS boasts the same vintage style with some refined conveniences including stocked aid stations, more cowbells, and one heck of a grand finale BBQ party with beer, swag and drawings. And Kent Eriksen is still involved riding the event and keeping the namesake alive.
Our beneficiaries are local organizations and charities who benefit from your participation. Event proceeds are split equally among our four beneficiaries who then continue the gift of giving and choose a 5th beneficiary to donate a portion of their gift to!
The TDS has since formalized into a non profit 501 c 3, established a formal board of directors and added online registration, new routes of varying distances and even a gravel route! Our local city park welcomes riders home to a post-ride BBQ, filled with local beer kegs, live music and plenty of delicious food to refuel the riders, fans and volunteers.
As our little event has grown considerably, we see the main focus of our event as a catalyst to make change, to make an impact and to do something for our community. We hope you will join us. By participating in the Tour de Steamboat ride, you are part of the change, the energy and the fun!
Happy training and we hope to see you in July!
Tour de Steamboat