Cyclists Gear Up for 12th Annual Tour de Pier
May 18, 2024 09:53AM ● By Mb News Staff
On Sunday, Manhattan Beach will host the 12th annual Tour de Pier, a stationary cycling event that raises funds for cancer research and support services.
The award-winning charity event, which attracts 10,000 people each year, benefits the Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research,
Cancer Support Community South Bay, and the
Uncle Kory Foundation for Brain Cancer Research. Since its inception, Tour de Pier
has raised more than $12 million for cancer
charities.
The fundraiser’s main attractions include popular instructors, top vendors, live entertainment,
and a free Health and Fitness Expo along with the Cardio Kids Zone.
Choreographed aircraft flyovers by Tiger Squadron and the U.S. Coast
Guard will also make encore appearances.
Featured attendees include Jen Cohen (USC Director of Athletics); Kristi Funk (famous breast cancer surgeon and bestselling author);
Nomar Garciaparra (former Major League Baseball player); Mia Hamm (former USWNT Soccer Player and owner of Angel City FC);
Jordan Harvey (former professional soccer player/Los Angeles FC); Jaren Lewison (actor,
Never Have I Ever); Lu Parker (TV news anchor/journalist) and Rob Stone
(Tour de Pier’s emcee and Sports Commentator).
The event is held at the Manhattan Beach Pier and will run from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
("Love Rides" by Wendy Stillman)New for this year, the Tour de Pier will exhibit “Love Rides” created by South Bay artist
Wendy Stillman. The vibrant, life-size painting standing at 7.5 feet
by 7.5 feet portrays healing heart hands surrounded by symbols of
support. The hand heart gesture has been annually incorporated into
rides as a symbol of love and hope for those fighting
cancer. “Love Rides” will be auctioned off on Tour
de Pier’s online auction at
www.tourdepier.com with proceeds benefiting the non-profit cancer organizations.
Award-Winning Event
The event was started by Jon Hirshberg, who started the first LA Cancer Challenge after the loss
of his father Ron in 1997, and his friend
and long-time cycling enthusiast, Heath Gregory, who collaborated on the idea of a one-day event in their hometown of Manhattan Beach, CA.
The Inaugural Tour de Pier was held in May
2013 at the Manhattan Beach Pier and raised more than $339,000 for our
charities.
In
March 2014, Manhattan Beach's Parks & Recreation
Department won a prestigious award for Outstanding Special Event for the
Tour De Pier, presented
by the State of California Association of Parks and Recreation
Commissioners.
This year's fundraising goal is $1.5 million.
Road and Parking Lot Closures
PARKING LOT CLOSURES
Lower Pier Parking Lots closed Saturday beginning at 6:00 a.m.
Upper Pier Parking Lots closed Saturday beginning at 11:00 a.m.
STREET CLOSURES
Manhattan Beach Boulevard west of Manhattan Avenue and Ocean Drive from
11th Place to Center Place closed Sunday from 6:00 a.m. to
6:00 p.m.
