Mark your calendar and call your biking buddies because the Capital Area Green Belt Association (CAGA) recently announced that it will hold its 23rd annual Tour de Belt signature fundraising event, rain or shine, on Sunday, June 4. Immediately following the 20-mile ride, the organization’s Finish Line Fest event will be in full swing to celebrate bikers as they cross the finish line and welcome community members with live music and entertainment, food trucks, and fun activities. The Tour de Belt ride staggered starts will begin at 9 a.m. at the HACC campus (1 HACC Drive, Harrisburg). The Finish Line Fest will start at 10 a.m. at the same location, running until 2 p.m.
“Tour de Belt is a fun-filled, biking-focused event that promotes healthy activity and environmental stewardship. It also raises much needed funds to support one of the capital region’s most beloved outdoor resources, the Greenbelt,” said Neelam Zaver, CAGA board member and Tour de Belt committee co-chair. “Even if you choose not to bike in the Tour de Belt, you can come out to our Finish Line Fest, have a good time, and support an important cause!”
During the Tour de Belt ride, bikers will be guided along the Capital Area Greenbelt, a 24-mile, century-old system of picturesque natural areas, parks, and open areas that winds through the City of Harrisburg, Paxtang and Penbrook Boroughs, and Susquehanna and Swatara Townships. The ride is fully supported with volunteer guides, race marshals, and traffic monitors at crossings. A sag wagon is also on standby to assist participants, as needed. A virtual-hybrid event option will also be offered again in 2023, between May 28 and June 3. To learn more and to register, visit caga.org/tour-de-belt.
For the 2023 Tour de Belt, CAGA is introducing a new “sponsor a rider” option that will allow bikers to individually solicit donations from friends and family by sharing a link. Top fundraisers will be awarded prizes for their efforts.
Last year, the Tour de Belt brought in a record-breaking 1,200+ registered participants and 100+ volunteers and raised $59K+ in funds. The organization anticipates this year’s totals could surpass prior benchmarks. Proceeds raised by the Tour de Belt and Finish Line Fest will benefit CAGA and will be used to support the maintenance, improvement, and continuity of the greenbelt.
“We’re incredibly thankful for the support of our corporate sponsors, and encourage any local businesses or organizations interested in getting involved to reach out to us at caga@caga.org for more information,” the event’s committee co-chair and CAGA board member Cathy Hart. “It’s not too late to be a part of this year’s event, and we can’t wait to see you there!”
To date, sponsors of the 2023 Tour de Belt and Finish Line Fest include Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority (platinum sponsor), The AMES Companies, Inc., Boyer & Ritter LLC, Capital Blue Cross, Dauphin County Parks and Recreation, Faulkner Subaru, HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, Harristown, Highmark Blue Shield/Penn State Health, Pennsylvania American Water, PPL Electric Utilities, Skelly and Loy, Inc., Starr Insurance Inc., UGI Utilities, UPMC, Wilson Consulting Group, and 128 and a Half Hair Salon.