Grab the family, the bikes, and the bike helmets for Tour Sioux Falls, June 29th-30th. The event is designed for all ages and abilities and will utilize the Sioux Falls bike trails and downtown streets.

The Tour Sioux Falls was created after the elimination of the annual Tour De Kota event.  Wes Hall, Executive Director of the Sioux Falls Sports Authority, says the decision was made to come up with a family friendly event revolving around the city's bike trails and Live Well campaign.

The Sports Authority's involvement stems from Hall's background in organizing cycling events in Virginia and Iowa.

The two-day event starts Saturday, June 29th, with activities for families and kids at several parks along the bike trail. The designated parks (Pasley Park, Yankton Trail Park, Elmen Trailhead, Sanford Sports Complex, and Falls Park) will provide a place for riders to take a break, grab something to eat or drink, and talk with local organizations about fitness and wellness opportunities throughout Sioux Falls.

There's also lunch provided at Falls Overlook Cafe and a tailgate party at Falls Park.  The day finishes with a party on the River Greenway with music, food, and activities.

Sunday, June 30th, it's the first-ever Cyclovia (Spanish for open city streets to bicycles), featuring a route from Falls Park through the downtown business district.  The streets will be closed to vehicular traffic giving participants the opportunity to explore downtown by bike. Sioux Falls is one of 30 cities in the nation to close its streets for cyclists.

Activities will include kids bike race, bicycle rodeo, bike tractor pull, and a Sunday Social.  There will also be food and beverages available along the route.

Hall says events like this are a natural for the Midwest, where cycling is much more prevalent because of geography.

Registration is $30 for adults and $15 for kids ages 6-17.  Kids 5 and under are free.  Registration includes and official Tour Sioux Falls backpack, fully supported rest stops, lunch on Saturday, Sunday Ice Cream Social, and prize drawings.

With the departure of the Tour De Kota on the local sports scene, a void has been created for an event that caters to the more 'hard core' cyclists in the Sioux Falls area, something the Sports Authority hopes to fill in the future.

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