This Saturday thousands of women will grab their bikes and head down to the Alameda County Fairgrounds for the annual Cinderella Classic Bike Tour, organized by the Valley Spokesmen, a local bike riding club.
The 65-mile, women-only bike tour starts and ends at the Fairgrounds, winding through Dublin, Sunol, Danville and Livermore. This is the 31st year the Valley Spokesmen has organized the classic and 2,500 riders are expected to join the event coming from all over California and eight other states, including places as far away as Alaska and Hawaii, said event coordinator Bonnie Powers.
The event originally started as a way for the men in the club to thank the women for supporting them during bike rides, Powers said. Since then, the event has grown to be one of the club’s major events.
The route is slightly different this year with the starting gate moving from Camp Parks on Dublin Boulevard to the Fairgrounds, a change that only affects the first and last couple miles of the race. A complete route map will be handed out to participants the day of the event.
The ride is meant to be a fun time for riders of all ages and skill levels, which is why it is considered a tour and not race. The gates open at 6:30 a.m. and check-in is between 7 and 9:30 a.m. Riders have from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. to complete the course and are encouraged to take their time and enjoy the day.
“The camaraderie is incredible,” Powers said. “Some get dressed up, wearing funny hats and tutus.”
More experienced riders looking for an extra challenge can take the Cinderella Challenge, a separate course that splits from the original at mile 31 and adds an additional 30 miles and 2,000-foot climb.
Ten percent of the event proceeds will go to a yet to be named charity. On the day of the race, riders are asked to suggest organizations to receive the donation. Usually an organization that provides services to women is chosen, such as past beneficiary Tri-Valley Haven.
Visit www.valleyspokesmen.org or e-mail cinderellaclassic@comcast.net for more information.
–Rebecca Guyon
