Thousands ride in 20th Tour de Palm Springs

Some walked. Some rode. Others supported.

Cathy Boyd’s husband biked across the country to raise awareness for his organization.

“Courageous Healers Foundation is a foundation helping men women and families who have suffered though sexual abuse, physical abuse, spiritual and emotional abuse,” Boyd said. “My husband is a survivor himself, and after 12 years in recovery, and in the past 8 years, he’s focused on his healing journey.”

Saturday, he rode in the Tour de Palm Springs to continue raising money and awareness for his organization.

He actually did the 100-miler,” Boyd said. “He’s a cyclist, but he’s only going to do 50 so he can get back here to support the foundation.”

Nearly 100 different charities will benefit from the Tour de Palm Springs, which is what founder Tim Esser said the event is all about.

“I’m really touched by these groups that work all year round to get them out here to support their charity,” Esser said.

He’s proud of the more than $3 million his event has helped raise for local charities.

“When you hit that 20-year mark, you’ve got to look back and say, ‘Wow, I think this just started, but time goes by fast.”

Esser said he’s happy to see people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities participating in this annual event.