Tour de Menlo, benefiting high school students and local non-profits, takes place on Saturday, August 20

There’s still time to join the Tour de Menlo bike ride (not race!) that takes place on Saturday, August 20. Event information is available online.

This year’s Tour is expected to be one of the largest  in the 12-year history of the event, which last year attracted 532 riders. The start/finish is at Menlo-Atherton High School in Atherton, and from there 35, 45 and 65-mile routes are available. There are multiple rest stops along the way and complete support and gear (SAG) in case anyone needs help with bike repair or a ride back to the start.

When they finish, riders can enjoy a barbeque lunch prepared by Luttickens Deli, as well as live jazz performed by Rick Ciardella’s trio. Whole Foods and SBM Fitness, major sponsors of the ride, will offer massage and stretching for returning riders.

All proceeds from the ride are split evenly between the Rotary Club of Menlo Park Foundation and the Almanac’s Holiday Fund. The Rotary portion, just under $20,000 last year, pays for need-based scholarships that mostly go to high school students from Menlo Park’s Belle Haven neighborhood and East Palo Alto. The Almanac’s Holiday Fund supports 10 non-profit agencies that serve Peninsula children and families.

Photo from 2011 Tour de Menlo by Scott Loftesness (c) 2011