RENO, Nev. (Summer 2006)—The 14th Annual Tour de Nez slated for June in Reno, Nev. is bringing biking to the mainstream this year with the Tour de Nez Century Ride on June 24th. Offering three different rides complementing every level of fitness and experience, the Tour de Nez Century ride gives families and beginning cyclists as well as seasoned amateurs, the chance to participate on every level.

This year’s Tour de Nez Century Ride starts and finishes at Reno’s Wingfield Park, home of the three-day Tour de Nez Celebration of Cycling, and travels along the scenic routes of Old Highway 40, the Truckee River, Verdi and Lake Tahoe.

Unlike any other century ride, the Tour de Nez Century Ride brings together the colorful party element of the Tour de Nez with the world of century rides. Riders are encouraged to stop at the many rest stops along the way, grab a mint julep (the signature drink of the Tour de Nez) from an eager spectator and enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Truckee Meadows and Lake Tahoe.

“What an opportunity to catch some of the epic beauty of Lake Tahoe while riding along the shoreline,” said promoter and race Supreme Commander, Tim Healion. “We’ve made it so families can do the ride together and enjoy the scenic beauty of Reno. The Metric Century and 100 Mile Ride offers the more competitive cyclists the challenge of varying terrain and elevation levels.”

Started 14 years ago to celebrate the anniversary of Reno's first coffee house, Deux Gros Nez, the Tour de Nez has grown from a Masters Twilight Criterium to a three-day party in Truckee, Tahoe City and Reno. Revelers will enjoy live music, belly dancing, bike demonstrations, mint juleps, bike decorating contests, face painting and a world full of bike madness and mayhem. Highlights of this year's Tour de Nez will air on a one-hour show on the Outdoor Life Network. Fat Tire Amber Ale and Reno-Tahoe America’s Adventure Place present the Tour de Nez. For more information contact 775-287-3599 or visit www.tourdenez.com.

Tour de Nez Century Events

Yes! You Can Do it to Ride!--This 15-mile ride benefiting the Freewheelin’ Foundation leaves Reno’s Wingfield Park at 8am. Participants ride along the main century route to first pit stop and back. The 15-Mile Yes! You Can Do it Ride! is perfect for families and first timers. There will be rest stops along the way offering refreshments, encouragement and of course, Mint Juleps!

Metric Century—This 100 kilometer ride starts at Reno’s Wingfield Park at 8 am and heads out to the scenic foothills of the Truckee Meadows and down Mt. Rose Highway and along highway 395. Snaking around some of the most scenic view in Reno, the Metric Century inspires those who participate in it. Imagine riding past hot springs, crystal clear streams and rambling old ranch houses. The route then continues through pleasant valley and up over the Jubilee Hill to the stunning Washoe Valley (which is the Eastern slope of the old Bonanza Ranch) and continues around Washoe Valley, the old ranching communities and outskirts of Reno.

100 Mile Ride— The big Kahoona, the granddaddy of them all---This 100-mile ride also starts at 8 am at Reno’s Wingfield. The 100-mile ride is a challenge, but the rolling hills, scenic valleys and thrills of finishing make this ride well worth it. Following the same route as the Century Ride, the 100-mile ride pushes riders just a little bit further. Heading up into Carson City, the capitol of the good ol’ Nevada, this ride goes up through scenic Lake Tahoe and along the East shore of Incline Village. Riders follow Highway 50 to Spooner Summit and then begin their descent down the 8900-foot summit of Mt. Rose. Winding down Mt. Rose Highway, participants are treated to unsurpassed views of the Virginia Foothills, Washoe Valley and the sprawling meadows that make up South Reno. Riders will then follow the route back through the Truckee Meadows to finish this ride at Wingfield Park. Defiantly a challenge, the 100-mile ride is both an accomplishment and one of the most scenically rewarding century rides in the US.