Sep 17 2009
What is the Tour de Nez?
The Tour de Nez is a series of bicycle races and other events staged in Reno, Truckee, along the shores of Lake Tahoe, and Northstar at Tahoe Resort. Tour de Nez events take place in both Nevada and California.It all started 17 years ago as a single criterium race through the streets of downtown Reno, the purpose of which was to celebrate the anniversary of Reno's Deux Gros Nez coffeehouse (since closed). Feeding on its initial success, the Tour de Nez has grown into a major Reno / Tahoe event spanning several days. Come out and enjoy pro and amateur bicycle racing, live music, great food and drink, bike decorating contests, face painting, and an expo with displays from bike, adventure sports, and outdoor gear companies. The community is invited to join the Tour de Nez fun by participating in events like the Biggest Little Kid's Race, the Tour de Nez Clunker Classic, and a bike messenger race.
Tour de Nez Venues and Events
The Tour de Nez begins on June 17 with a number of pre-race events in Reno, including a park and ride from Amendment 21 to an afternoon Reno Aces baseball game. Actual racing begins on June 18 in Truckee with a pro criterium and other events.The big downtown Reno circuit race on June 19 is based at Wingfield Park, along with races for kids, clunkers, messengers, and handcycles. This is a return to the traditional Tour de Nez venue after last year's Reno races at the Grand Sierra Resort. I think both racers and spectators will be pleased to see the Tour de Nez back on the banks of the Truckee River.
The Tour de Nez moves up to Northstar at Tahoe on June 20 for more racing and related festival activities, like food, demos, music, and partying. The Tour de Nez Century Ride around Lake Tahoe caps off this year's event on June 21. Go to the Tour de Nez website for a complete schedule of events.
Tour de Nez Green Park Expo
The Green Park Expo is a new feature of the 17th Annual Tour de Nez. It will feature an assortment of gear, green products, and green non-profits displaying the latest in green technology, renewable energy, and fair trade products. The Green Park Expo will run for the day at each Tour de Nez venue, as follows:- June 18th - downtown Truckee, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- June 19th - downtown Reno at Wingfield Park, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- June 20th - Northstar-at-Tahoe, 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
