Rockford’s original bike festival and neighborhood ride, The Tour de North End returns for it’s eighth year. The goals of the event include:

– Raising awareness about bicycle safety and the rules of the road
– Encouraging cyclists and motorists to share the road
– Promote the North End as a bike-friendly neighborhood, and a great place to live, work and  play
– Get people outside, active, and learning about our bike path system and proper riding
– Have a lot of fun

TDNE riders will register/check-in at the Olympic Tavern at 11am-1pm, then head to 12+ other North End locations to collect passport stamps — the more stamps collected, the more chances to win prizes.  Riders return to The Olympic Tavern at 5pm to dance to music from House Brotherhood DJs and GO GO Torpedo as we tally up the passports.  At 6:30pm, one lucky rider will take home a New Belgium Fat Tire Bicycle, while others will win OT gift cards and more prizes from New Belgium Brewery.  

TDNE is a rain or shine event. Riders should dress for the weather and bring a bike lock, water bottle and helmet (and lots of friends)! There will be other cycling events throughout the day (bike safety & “how to/fix-it” demos from Kegel’s Bicycle Store, slow ride competition, trackstand competition, etc). Families with kids are encouraged to join the festival but per state law children under 21 may not win prizes. Schedule and more info are available at tourdenorthend.com.  Email info@theolympictavern.com for any further questions.