This bike ride offers over 45 miles of scenic views around Keuka Lake: How to participate

Nearly 300 cyclists are expected to flock to Hammondsport Aug. 5 to ride the scenic routes at the annual Tour de Keuka bike ride, which is geared to raise about $80,000 for the United Way of the Southern Tier.

Lois Wilson, a United Way spokesperson, said proceeds raised at the event support programs to help children, senior citizens, and families in need in Steuben and Chemung counties.

“Tour de Keuka is an amazing event,” said Stephen Hughes, president of the United Way of the Southern Tier. “We are looking forward to another great ride.”

Tour de Keuka ride: What to know

Wilson said cyclists can select a course, 45, 60 or 100 miles, pay a registration fee and commit to fundraising additional dollars.

Registration is $40 until July 15, then increases to $55.

All participants are required to raise a minimum of $150, in addition to the registration fee. Each rider will receive an event T-shirt and a finisher award. Participants who raise $300 or more in donations also receive a special 2023 Tour de Keuka cycle jersey.

“The Tour de Keuka bike ride is not a competitive race,” Wilson said. “It’s a charity event. We want people to come out, have fun and enjoy the day.”

The event includes an early morning breakfast, six rest stops during the race, snacks, water and views of Keuka Lake.

Registration information, routes and more details can be found at tourdekeuka.org

Tour de Keuka's legacy as Southern Tier charity event

Wilson said the United Way of the Southern Tier became the beneficiary of the Tour de Keuka in 2021.

The ride was founded in 2005 as a fundraiser for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, then served as a fundraiser for the Food Bank of the Southern Tier in 2015 until the change to the United Way.

Longtime cyclist Randy Rhoads, who founded the event, said it includes almost 100 volunteers every year, more than 300 cyclists and road supporters.

More: Add these to your 2023 summer to-do list: What to do, see in the Southern Tier

“There is a lot to it,” he said. “Now we have a great sponsor in the United Way. So, we are proud of that.”

Since its inception, Rhoads said, Tour de Keuka has raised more than $1.5 million.

“It’s been a really good charity event,” he said. “Beyond the $1.5 million it has provided to the three charities; it has brought two to three million to commerce in the area up and down Keuka Lake.”

Rhoads said Tour de Keuka brings people as far away as Europe and all through the United States and Canada.

“I am over the moon excited that the event has continued,” Rhoads said. “The United Way has done a wonderful job running the event.”

This article originally appeared on The Leader: This Finger Lakes bike ride tours 100 miles around Keuka: What to know