Tour of Missouri Cycling Returns to Branson In September
Source: Branson/Lakes Area CVB
Jul 18, 2008 - 8:27:18 AM
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BRANSON, MO - Last year's Tour of Missouri cycling event—scheduled to return to Branson on Sept. 10—had a positive impact on local business, and perhaps improved people"s health, said Craig Erickson, owner of Downhill Bikes.
Erickson, a member of the local organizing committee, was among those who attended Tuesday’s kick-off for the Branson leg of the event. Again, Branson hosts the individual time trials following the same route as last year. The 18-mile event starts at 11 a.m. in Branson Landing. The last rider is expected to arrive at the end point at Shepherd of the Hills Homestead about 2 p.m.
Overall, a "deceivingly tougher” Tour of Missouri will challenge the field of 120 world-class cyclists from 15 professional teams for the race that runs Sept. 8 through 14, race organizers say. The race starts in St. Joseph and ends in St. Louis.
Erickson, said since the race last year, local residents and out-of-town visitors are calling to ask if there are organized rides on the Tour course, and people are buying more bikes, he said.
“The Tour of Missouri raised an awareness in Branson,” Erickson said. In a recent city of Branson survey, 45 percent of respondents asked for more biking and hiking trails. The City of Branson has been diligently expanding the current trail network, and recently got some easements needed to continue the project, Erickson said.
In its second year, the event is expected to attract more visitors than last year. The event will receive national and international coverage that will highlight Missouri’s countryside and communities including Branson.
Ross Summers, president and CEO of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau—hosting the event with the City of Branson—said that local sculptor Tim Cherry will again provide the winner’s trophy, this year a piece called “Rabbit Flyer.”
Additional information about Branson, its live entertainment, theme parks, lakes, golf courses, family attractions, shopping and other features is offered at www.explorebranson.com or 800-296-0463.
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