Rain can’t stop Tour De Palm Springs

One of the largest charity cycling events in the country wrapped up this weekend. The Tour De Palm Springs Charity Bike Ride and Walk is in its 19th year.

Friday’s rain caused a number of issues for the event but organizers were not going to let weather stop thousands of cyclists from participating. Organizers jumped through hoops to ensure the event continued despite numerous road closures.

“We were told last night that the roads were closed. Vista Chino was closed, Palm Drive was closed and Indian was closed and that’s where our major routes go. We’ve got thousands of cyclists that are coming from 44 different states and three countries and there was no way we could tell them there wasn’t an event,” said founder Tim Esser.

In order to keep the event from being canceled, organizers worked through the night to change routes.

“We called the city managers, we called the mayors, we called law enforcement in nine different cities and worked through the night,” Esser said.

And Saturday, not a rain drop was in sight as riders made their way down Ramon Road, the snow-capped mountains behind them. The weekend event all about charity, raising nearly $3 million for local organizations since its beginning.

“Well I wanted to bring Seattle (cat) out and go for a bike ride since the weather had broke and taking advantage living here in Palm Springs,” said Ramon Palmquist.

As this year’s event concludes, organizers look to the possibility of a new host city.

“The discussions are ongoing and we have a few more things to discuss. Talk about the date change, specifically and we’re looking at Feb 9 and 10 of 2018,” said executive director Michael Stearns.

One thing is certain, the event’s impact on our valley is significant.