by Dennis Dalman
Bicyclists from throughout Minnesota and nearby states are gearing up to participate in what’s billed as “a heavenly little ride” – the Tour of Saints event, set for Sunday, July 21.
Tour of Saints, now in its 44th year, starts in St. Joseph and offers three bicycle routes through beautiful stretches of countryside. The event is not a bike race. It’s a series of leisurely, non-competitive, relaxing rides with plenty of rest stops and tasty treats along the way.
This year, bikers will begin their routes at 8:30 a.m. from the athletic complex of the College of St. Benedict. The bikers will return to St. Joseph by 2 p.m. for a festive finish with lemonade and watermelon at Bad Habit Brewing Co. in downtown St. Joseph.
Close to 300 people of all ages are anticipated to take part in the event, said Michael Doyle, who grew up in the Collegeville area and who has served as the Tour of Saints director for 34 years.
In an interview with the Newsleaders, Doyle described the three bike-route options – 18 miles, 35 miles, 50 miles.
Route 1
The 18-mile is ideal for families and riders who would like to avoid biking on hilly terrain. The route is on the paved Lake Wobegon Trail, which leads nine miles to Avon where bikers will enjoy rest and refreshments before the return trip to St. Joseph.
Route 2
The two longer courses (35 and 50 miles) go through scenic hilly country and woods. The first stop is in Cold Spring with treats provided by Cold Spring Bakery and other treats. The second stop is at mile 25 to Collegeville Orchards at the edge of the woodlands and lakes near St. John’s University. There will be fresh fruit, cool drinks and cookies.
Route 3
At mile 31, bikers can proceed to the finish for a 35-mile day or cycle all the way for a full 50-mile route. The last rest stop on that route is at Avon’s city park where riders can enjoy fresh fruit and other treats before returning to St. Joseph via the Lake Wobegon Trail.
Lodging
An exceptional plus to the Tour of Saints, Doyle noted, is that bicyclists can book rooms the night before the ride at the College of St. Benedict. That way, many who drive from faraway places can relax and have a restful sleep, ready to ride bright and early next morning. Rooms are available starting at a reasonable rate of $50.
To register for the race and/or to book an overnight room on the campus, visit the following website: bikemn.org/all-events/tour-of-saints/register/.
Safety
Another big plus for Tour of Saints is there are organizers who drive and ride in vehicles to check on the progress and safety of all bikers and to make sure everything is coordinated and goes as planned. Doyle, who has participated many times as a biker, will be one of the safety-check drivers this year in one of many vehicles provided courtesy of Gilleland Chevrolet.
Also helping with communications during the trips are members of the St. Cloud Amateur Radio Club. All bikers are given a number to call in case of an emergency or if a bicycle breaks down. Members of the Radio Club will answer any calls and set help in motion immediately.
Bicycle Alliance
Doyle works with the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota of which he was one of the founding members years ago. The non-profit organization promotes safe and healthy bicycling and bike trails/routes throughout the state. It is one of the producers for Tour of Saints.
Background
The Tour of Saints was founded in 1981 by a group of local bike enthusiasts and has grown in size every year because of good word-of-mouth from people who so enjoyed the rides, the scenery and socializing with interesting people.
The first few Tour of Saints rides started out from Waite Park, then later at St. John’s University, still later at Cold Spring and finally for most of its years at the College of St. Benedict.
Thumbs up!
The following is just a sampling of the many rave-up comments Tour of Saints participants posted on its website:
“Thank you for yet another beautiful, well-organized, delightful event! My hat goes off to all involved – yea to planning crew! This was Tour #4 for me – I will be back for many more!”
“I can’t find anything to improve – this works so very well – helpful and friendly volunteers, great and ample food and drink, consistently high-quality shirts, excellent facilities.”
“Great time! So well organized. Really appreciated the overnight at St. Ben’s. First time on this trip.”
“This was a great ride! Everyone should be commended – we as riders lack for nothing – I can’t wait for next year – maybe I will try the 50 miles! Thanks!”
Bikers wave while rolling past a very old barn during a previous Tour of Saints event.
