August 23, 2021
Charlotte — Registration is still open for the 10th annual Tour de Turns and Under the Shade Trees Festival, Saturday, August 28 at Carmel Road Neighborhood Park, 2365 Carmel Rd. in Charlotte.
Tour de Turns aims to “turn the corner on local hunger” by benefiting Loaves & Fishes/Friendship Trays, providing groceries, meals and hope for neighbors in need in Mecklenburg County. Now in its 10th year, Tour de Turns has grown from 57 riders in its first year to over 500 riders, raising over $275,000 to fight hunger in our community.
Regions Bank is the 2021 title sponsor of this unique benefit bicycle ride and walk for all skill levels. Bike routes wind through 25 beautiful tree-lined South Charlotte neighborhoods, offering 15, 25, 37 and 62 mile riding routes as well as 3 and 6 mile walking routes. Afterwards, the Under the Shade Trees Festival allows participants to unwind with lunch by Mac’s Speed Shop, a craft beer garden by Town Brewing Co., and live music from the Natty Boh Duo.
The health and safety of every Tour de Turns participant and volunteer is of utmost importance. Therefore, participants can expect the following COVID safety protocols:
• Masks required when gathering prior to the start and in the park area unless eating and drinking.
• Hand sanitizing stations.
• Start area for cyclists and walkers has been doubled in length to allow for greater spacing.
• Much larger Beer Garden and lunch area to allow for more room to spread out and social distance.
• To Go option for grab and go lunches.
• Food served by masked and gloved volunteers.
• Rest Stops supplied with bottled beverages and packaged snacks.
• Full COVID Safety Protocol Statement below
About Tour de Turns:
The primary mission of Tour de Turns is to turn the corner on local hunger by raising funds for Loaves & Fishes/Friendship Trays, as well as promote neighborhood cycling routes that are safer and more peaceful than cycling on busy thoroughfare streets. For more information: www.tourdeturns.org
Last year, Loaves & Fishes/Friendship Trays provided a week’s worth of nutritious groceries and meals to over 120,000 people in Mecklenburg County. For more information visit www.loavesandfishes.org and www.friendshiptrays.org
Tour de Turns COVID Safety Protocol Statement
As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise, we are closely monitoring the CDC, state, and local guidelines. Please keep in mind that safety protocols are subject to change.
Please know that the health and safety of every Tour de Turns participant and volunteer is of utmost importance. To that end:
• We recommend that all participants and volunteers be fully vaccinated and that masks be worn when gathering and in the park.
• Please make every effort to maintain social distancing in the park, out on the course and at rest stops.
• If you are not feeling well, exhibiting symptoms, have been exposed to or been around anyone who may have been exposed to COVID-19 in the days prior to Packet Pick Up #1 (August 25), Packet Pick Up #2 (August 27) or event date (August 28), please stay home.
• Procedures will be in place to ensure safety with the serving of food and water at rest stops and during lunch at the park.
Thank you for your help in ensuring a safe and fun event that will help turn the corner on local hunger!
Media Contacts:
Tour de Turns — Lane Holbert, Founder, (704) 578-5148, Lane.Holbert@foundrycommercial.com
Bob Carter, Event Director (704) 361- 6358, bcarter5523@gmail.com
Loaves & Fishes/Friendship Trays — Sue Bruce, Communications (704) 523-4333 office, (704) 651-3250 cell sue@loavesandfishes.org