Since its inaugural ride in 2006, Tour de Tonka has remained a popular multi-distance biketacular, where cyclists cruise through 23 different west metro communities, all for the love of the ride, the camaraderie and the cause.
Over the past 10 years, Tour de Tonka has raised more than $40,000 to help support ICA Food Shelf in Minnetonka. The remaining funds from registrations and donations support community education and early childhood programming.
Organized by Minnetonka Community Education, Tour de Tonka offers seven different ride lengths, including a few new additions this year. Rides start at 16 miles for the relaxed rider, all the way up to 100 miles for serious cyclists.
Tim Litfin, executive director of Minnetonka Community Education, says that the success of this community-based event is largely due to the efforts of 500 volunteers, who have a multitude of tasks, from making last-minute registration run smoothly to guiding bikers along the course.
“You can come with two flat tires on your bike and not having had any breakfast, and your bike will be taken care of by our multiple bike mechanics,” says Litfin. “That’s the kind of service and community feel you get from a ride like this.”
And remember, this is a ride, not a race, so don’t feel guilty about taking some extra time at any of the 12 available rest stops to enjoy the food, music and bike banter.
