April 16, 2011 (Victoria, BC) – It’s crunch time, as Coach McGrath would say! We’ve already rolled into April. The inaugural Ryder Hesjedal’s Tour de Victoria on May 28th is getting close and we have some useful information for participants. Read on for more details.

Road Marshall Volunteers Needed!
If you’re not rolling with us we would like to invite your family, friends and teams to put on the Volunteer Tour de Victoria t-shirt and be part of history! We’ve got fun jobs which can be done in pairs, groups, or as an individual. Join us and help cheer on the riders! More info here.

Where does the Tour de Victoria start and finish?
A lot of you have asked! The start/finish for the inaugural Ryder Hesjedal’s Tour de Victoria is around Victoria’s Inner Habour in front of the Legislature on Belleville Street.

Star Power!
Ryder Hesjedal is leading out the 140km Tour, with Simon Whitfield dialing up the 90km and Silken Laumann heading up the Community Ride. You’ll also rub shoulders with some serious athletic Star Power showing up on Tour Day including:

– Peter Reid – 2006 Iron Man Champion
– Erinne Willock – 2008 Olympian
– Jasper Blake – 2006 Canadian Iron Man Champion
– Andreas Hestler – 1996 Olympian – Mountain Biking
– Jake Wetszel – 2008 Olympic Gold Medalist – Rowing
– Adam Kreek – 2008 Olympic Gold Medalist – Rowing.

Exclusive VIP Packages
The VIP Packages ($499) welcome participants to a rare opportunity to spend time face to face with Ryder Hesjedal in the VIP area at the Start/Finish and at an exclusive post-event dinner. You’ll also have a spot in the VIP start chute and will receive a Champion Systems Tour de Victoria VIP cycling kit (bib shorts, jersey and vest). Register on-line here!

Registrations are Rolling In!
More and more we’re hearing of folks who just found out about our inaugural Tour de Victoria! We recently received emails from Ontario and Calgary cyclists wanting to register! If you’ve got buddies who are sitting on the fence, you might want to give them a nudge to go on-line and register today. On-line registration for the 140km and 90km ride will be open until Wednesday, May 25th at midnight. Space permitting, registration will also be available until midnight on May 27th.*

Tour de Victoria Package Pick-Up
Parkside Victoria Resort & Spa
810 Humboldt Street (250 940-1200)
Thursday, May 26 from 5 till 8 p.m.
Friday, May 27 from 2 till midnight

Tour Day: Check in will be at the Information Tent near the start/finish area on Belleville Street.

*If planning to register after May 25th, you can do so (space permitting/swag bag and t-shirt not guaranteed) at Parkside Victoria Resort & Spa until midnight on Friday, May 27th.

GoodLife Fitness Community Ride
We’re happy to report that GoodLife Fitness has joined us as Presenting Sponsor of the Community Ride. We made the announcement at the GoodLife Fitness Bay Centre Club where Tour Director, Seamus McGrath led the media hordes in an impromptu spin class! You can see some of the pictures from the event on Facebook.

Registration for the GoodLife Fitness Community Ride is available on-line and also on-site on Tour Day at The Power To Be Adventure Therapy tent. Register online here.

All the proceeds for the Community Ride go to the Power To Be Adventure Therapy Society.

Swiftsure Shares “Bimini” Beer Garden
Racers for the Swiftsure International Yacht Race will be out on the high seas during the Tour de Victoria. Located at Ships Point (below Tourism Victoria) in the Inner Harbour, the “Bimini” is open noon till 11 p.m. with live music, a beer garden, Mount Gay Rum and food. The dance band starts at 8 p.m.! Tickets are FREE and available only Saturday, May 28th (must be 19 years or over). You can pick them up at Package Pick-Up.

Check the Rules Before You Roll!
The Rules for the Tour have been posted to our website. Be sure you review them here before we roll.

Accommodation Specials
Better not put this off. Registered Tour de Victoria participants are eligible for some great Accommodation Specials, but rooms are filling up fast! Info here.

Fly Harbour Air from Vancouver!
We’re a hop skip and a jump from Vancouver. Fly in style with Founding Sponsor Harbour Air!

Clipper Discounts from Seattle
The Victoria Clipper is offering 10% booking discounts with PROMO CODE VICF11. There’s space for six bicycles on each sailing, but you must book ahead. Book your tickets online here.

Route Elevation Gains
We’ve had lots of requests for detailed route maps. We can tell you there is approximately a 2,500-foot elevation gain in the 140km route and approximately a 1,200-foot elevation gain in the 90km route. Staty tuned for more and trust us – you’re going to love it!

Coach McGrath Training Tips
Looking for good insight into your training regimen for the Tour de Victoria? Check Coach McGrath’s tips and training schedules here.

Love the Body!
Coach McGrath also advises you give the body some love. If you’re in Victoria, ask Synergy Health Management to take care of you. They’re a full service sports medicine clinic. More info here.

Victoria International Cycling Festival
Ryder Hesjedal’s Tour de Victoria kicks off a month’s worth of cool cycling activities in Victoria. More info here