Tour de Scottsdale 2020 goes virtual

The annual Tour de Scottsdale benefitting the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy will switch gears this year to navigate the evolving coronavirus pandemic. After careful consideration for public health and safety, DC Ranch made the difficult decision to cancel the in-person event on Market Street. A virtual event, held Oct. 12-18, will allow hundreds of road warriors to keep the cycling spirit alive, stay active and healthy, while still supporting the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy.

Riders will have several registration options to complete ride miles on their own. Participants can ride the official Tour de Scottsdale courses, log miles around their city or even in their home or fitness center on a trainer. In addition to the traditional 30 and 70-mile rides, the virtual event will introduce a new 15-mile course and 5-mile fit family ride.

The event beneficiary is the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, a nonprofit conservation organization that protects and promotes the McDowell Sonoran Preserve in North Scottsdale. Now in its 17th year, the Tour de Scottsdale donates 100 percent of sponsorship proceeds and a portion of registration fees to the Conservancy and has raised over $600,000 to date.

Those who register and complete any of the distances will receive a commemorative, distance-unique medal, an awesome virtual goodie bag and perks -- along with all the bragging rights. Visit TourdeScottsdale.net for details and registration.