Tour de Sacramento

2009-07-07T04:47:37Z

The Tour de Sacramento kicked off today and will continue for three weeks of activities and ride-alongs around the Sacramento area.

The event coincides with the Tour de France. The three-week event in Europe is a world-famous race, but tour organizer Dawn Dais says that the Tour de Sacramento has a different feel to it. "We don't really want to encourage a competition. Its going to be super laid back and fun."

Dais has written a book called "The Noncyclist's Guide to the Century and Other Road Races," that details her training for a bicycle race and breaks down the process to encourage people of all backgrounds to participate in cycling.

Today, a bike safety check and a Safe Cycling Clinic took place at the Sacramento Bicycle Kitchen. The safety checks are sponsored by Ycycle.org and coach Myron Dong will be on hand to provide expert cycling opinions. "He is informed about safe ways to ride bikes. has real advice. and personalized coaching advice," said Dais.

People are encouraged to bring their bicycles to the Sacramento Bike Kitchen for maintenance and check-ups before the ride. If participants do not have bikes, Dais said renting bikes is also an option, "and you get a discount with the Tour de Sacramento."

The Tour is about bringing people together, and they don't necessarily have to participate, according to Dais. "Every ride we're going to be accepting bike donations with Cycles4Hope even if you don't want to ride."

The routes planned for the Tour vary in length and type. There will be day rides on standard bike trails that will be up to 12 miles long, and night rides through streets in places like historic Folsom. "The night time rides are more leisurely and about exploring the city," said Dais.

There will also be a "Grub and Crawl" ride, and for a $25 fee, participants can enjoy restaurant hopping, food tasting, and end the night at a popular night club.

"Cycling is just a really fun way to be active," said Dais. For her first book, "The Nonrunner's Marathon Guide for Women," she recalls not having an enjoyable time training for a marathon. "I was expecting to find the same thing in cycling, but I enjoyed it. It's a flat route and not too strenuous. While you move you get somewhere. It's more of a destination type of thing."

She adds, "It's a lot cooler, hipster wise, than running."

Dais feels the cycling event will work well with the Sacramento community, because of the enthusiasm for bike riding in the area.

The Tour de Sacramento will take place from July 6 to 26. Registration for the event is free.

For more information about the event and registration, click the following link:
Tour de Sacramento

A royal occasion for the Sacramento Kings

2009-06-29T06:01:05Z

Kings fans proudly received the three newest members of the team Saturday evening at Marshall Park.

The park was a festive sight with families and fans clad in purple and white awaiting the arrival of University of Memphis guard Tyreke Evans, Israeli forward Omri Casspi and University of Washington forward Jon Brockman.

The players were bestowed with numbered jerseys for the first time since the draft picks were announced. Evans wearing number 13, Casspi with number 18, and Brockman number 40.

Season ticket holder Joseph Smith expressed his admiration for the Kings and the Maloof brothers for bringing the community and families together at such an event.

"It keeps us going as a family," Smith said. He was accompanied by his wife and child sporting a purple and white balloon hat while eagerly waiting in line to get a King's logo airbrush tattoo.

"I am optimistic about the team's future," Smith said. "The addition of these players to the young, core players will be a force to reckon with in the future."

Eighty-two year old Mary Gonzalez has been a fan of the Kings since their move to Sacramento in 1985.

"Don't call her," said her daughter Mary Tequida, "She won't answer the phone during a game." As a die-hard fan and knowledgeable of every player on the team, Gonzalez felt Tyreke will be a solid addition to the team. "They gonna be better with him, I can feel it," she said.

In the midst of controversy over Tyreke Evans' alleged involvement in a drive-by shooting, many fans overlooked his past and were cheering for his success on the team.

Evans, the fourth overall draft pick of the NBA, recruited celebrity supporters as well. Ryan Scheckler, professional skateboarder and star of MTV's reality television show "Life of Ryan," attended the celebration. "I'm here for Tyreke and the Maloofs. If the Maloofs put their trust in him, I don't see how they can go wrong," he said.

Gavin Maloof was quick to confirm his exhiliration for having Evans on the team, "He is the number one player in the draft, really. His trainer told me I wouldn't believe how good he is on the court."

Court skills aside, Evans, ranking 4th in the overall draft pick, expressed his willingness to "work well with the team," and emphasized good sportsmanship.

Omri Casspi, the 23rd overall draft pick, said he would do "whatever it takes to be a better player and person." The first Israeli player to be drafted into the NBA, Casspi recently arrived in Sacramento and described it as "bigger than I thought!"

A reinvigorated sense of optimism for the future of the Kings was apparent in the crowd as the team members were welcomed with a roaring applause.

"This city loves the Kings, and the new members will give fans a reason to be enthusiastic," said Paul Westphal, the Kings' new head coach.

Sports

Tour de Sacramento

A royal occasion for the Sacramento Kings