While bicycling is a popular activity all year round, July is a peak month with two signature events for cyclists, spectators and supporters. Here’s a quick look at the whys and whereabouts of the Tour des Chutes and Cascade Cycling Classic.

Tour des Chutes

The Tour des Chutes mission is to support cancer care and survivorship for children and adults in Central Oregon. The 11th annual benefit ride returns this Saturday, July 9 and includes routes with a distance of 7-25-50-75 or 100 miles as well as a non-competitive 5k run/walk. Gary Bonacker founded Tour des Chutes in 2004 following his diagnosis of a cancerous brain tumor in 2003. The annual cycling event has now raised over $700,000 with funds going to St. Charles Cancer Center Survivorship Programs and the Pediatric Foundation, to support families of children with cancer.

Tour des Chutes family friendly events include a 7-mile bike ride and a 5K fun run/walk. The event start/finish line is at High Lakes Elementary School with a post-ride celebration and a live music performance from Honey Don’t. Packet pick up is all day at Worthy Brewing on July 8 with the annual No Quit Wit Party from 6 – 8pm. Find details including registration information at www.tourdeschutes.org

The Cascade Cycling Classic

A perennial favorite, Cascade Cycling Classic is the longest consecutively run elite stage race in the country. The 37th annual event is slated for July 20-24 and attracts North America’s top cyclists and teams.

A series of racing routes includes the Cascade Lakes Road Race. Planned for July 22, the race starts and ends at Mt. Bachelor. The spectator-friendly Twilight Downtown Criterium is on Saturday, July 23. The Pro Women start at 5:45pm followed by the Pro Men at 7pm. The Awbrey Butte Circuit Race is another great stage to watch on Sunday, July 24 in and out of Summit High School.

Visit Cascade Cycling Classic website for additional details and be sure to bring your cowbells for some race day encouragement!