Thousands take part in bicycle tour

The tour serves as a popular fundraiser for Bike Sundays, the Sunday closure of Cañada Road that permits carefree biking, skating, running and strolling. The 33-mile tour route, which begins and ends at Sequoia High School in Redwood City, is laid out to highlight two of the San Mateo County Department of Parks’ premiere family biking opportunities — Sawyer Camp Trail and Cañada Road.

After completing the tour, riders picked up their "Official Tour de Peninsula Dirty T-shirt” and got a chance to visit post ride expo booths while they enjoyed music played by the Chris Ford Band.

The organizer and beneficiary of the tour, the San Mateo County Parks and Recreation Foundation, was established in 1988 and supports the preservation and restoration of native habitats and environmental education. The foundation seeks grants and contributions from individuals, foundations and businesses and to date has raised $7 million to support 30 different programs of the San Mateo County Department of Parks.

Supervisor Rich Gordon, honorary chair of the event, said, "I congratulate and thank all of this year’s participants. The Tour de Peninsula is a great way to feel the benefits of physical exercise and help all residents of San Mateo County by raising funds to support the County Park Department’s Bicycle Sunday Program.”

The San Mateo County Parks and Recreation Foundation is located at 215 Bay Road, Menlo Park. To learn more about Foundation volunteer opportunities, ranging from being a docent to clearing trails, call 650-321-5812 or visit www.supportparks.org.