Cycling event empowers women, raises money for cancer groups

Le Tour de Femme, a womens only cycling race, is set for Oct. 13.

Posted 4:38 p.m. Sep 8, 2012 — Updated 12:05 a.m. Sep 10, 2012

Sarah Lindenfeld Hall

In seven years, more than 1,000 women have come together to raise more than $250,000 for two cancer charities as part of Le Tour de Femme, a womens only cycling race.

The race's goal is to raise money and awareness for the groups - The Rex Hospital Angel Fund and the Livestrong Foundation. But it also seeks to empower women and promote healthy lifestyles through cycling.

This year's event is set for Oct. 13 in Cary and there is still plenty of time to sign up to ride and get involved in weekly training sessions. WRAL is a sponsor of the event. Elizabeth Gardner is its honorary ride leader.

Ron Hamner tells me the event is designed for cyclists of all levels.

"We have riders come to the event with skills ranging from those that are making their first attempt at a group ride to those that are professional racers," Hamner said.

The event offers routes of 15, 31 and 62 miles. They all have rest stops along the course that are fully stocked with food and drink. There's even a Mediterranean feast when the race is over. Support vehicles and riders and motorcycle crews will be on the course in case a rider needs help.

In other words, if you're a cyclist, this sounds like a lot of fun.

Registration is open now and costs $30 before Oct. 11. Riders are not required to raise money to participate though they are encouraged to raise at least $50 (incentives from Nike are offered). Click here for registration information.

The race does offer free weekly training rides to help women prepare for the event. The rides, also for women only, take place every Wednesday at Cycling Spoken Here in Cary. For complete information about the weekly rides, including detailed descriptions of each of the routes, the physical demands associated with each route and a link to join the weekly mailing list for ride updates, click here.

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