‘Tour de Palm Springs’ Invades Coachella Valley This Weekend

Preparations are underway in Palm Springs as the city becomes “head over wheels.” Close to 10,000 bicyclists are participating in Saturday’s “Tour de Palm Springs.”

“We’ve been doing a lot of rides,” said Sharon Fletcher, of Desert Bike Club. “Our group meets Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. So at least four times a week, we’re out there on the bikes.”

Fletcher is riding on behalf of the American Diabetes Association. Her father had the medical condition.

This is the tour’s thirteenth year. All of the money raised will benefit local charities.

“With all the cutbacks now in the federal, state, and county, these non-profits are hurting right now,” said Tim Esser, the tour’s founder.

Cyclists will ride anywhere between five to 100 miles. Drivers are reminded to drive carefully throughout the desert. The five mile route encompasses mainly Palm Springs. The 100 mile route extends as far as Thermal and Desert Hot Springs.

“We have to respect the cars, and we try to stay over [the side of the road] as much as possible,” said Fletcher. “But, we need the cars to respect us, too, and give us three feet [of space].”

The first cyclists start at 7 a.m. They expect to be done by noon.