Thousands of cyclists from Vancouver Island and beyond will be making their way to B.C.’s capital for the 12th annual Tour de Victoria ride on Saturday.
At least 2,400 riders from across Canada and the U.S. are expected to participate in this year’s ride, setting a new record for the event.
The event includes eight separate races, ranging from 160 kilometres to 15 kilometres to a kid’s ride.
All races start and end outside the B.C. Legislature building in downtown Victoria, though the start time of each race is staggered.
The 160 and 140 kilometre rides kick off at 7 a.m., for example, while the Kids Ride doesn’t start until 1 p.m.
Riders of all ages are welcome to join the rides, which raise money for several charities, including Opportunity International Canada, World Bicycle Relief and Ryder’s Cycling Society of Canada.
Registration for the race is open until 5 p.m. Friday, or until it’s sold out.
As of Wednesday, the youngest registered rider is just two years old, while the oldest is 90, according to organizers.
The ride will cause some “minor” traffic delays and detours across Greater Victoria on Saturday, stretching from the Inner Harbour to Brentwood Bay, Langford, Sooke and beyond.
Police, volunteers and certified traffic control attendants will be placed along the ride route, organizers say.
A detailed route map of where and when the roads will be closed Saturday can be found on the Tour de Victoria website.
Most closures will only last for a few hours, except for in the Inner Harbour, where Belleville Street will be closed for the entire day, from 4 a.m. until 8 p.m., in between Menzies and Government streets.
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