Approximately 450 bicyclists past beneath the starting line for the 10th annual Tour des Lakes, which included 30K, 55K and 100K routes. InkFreeNews photos by Keith Knepp.

By Keith Knepp
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE — If you found yourself driving around Syracuse or North Webster on Saturday morning, you likely saw a number of bicyclists peddling their way throughout the streets and roads. What you were witnessing were some of the 450 or so participants in the 10th annual Tour des Lakes, presented by the K21 Health Foundation.

According to Erlene Yentes, 411 bikers were pre-registered for the event, which did not take place in 2020 due to COVID restrictions. Another 30-40 added their names to the register upon their arrival to the Syracuse Community Center. Yentes said this was easily the largest number of people to participate in the tour.

Bicyclists of all ages and experience came ready to hit the road for either the 30K, 55K or 100K route. Each rider was given a detailed map of the distance they chose to take on, which included information on predetermined SAG stops along the route, which provided healthy snacks, water and Gatorade.

Many riders were from the Kosciusko County area, but others came from further around the state and region, including Fort Wayne, Carmel, Indianapolis and Bedford. They began arriving at the registration point as early as 7 a.m., and were able to start their ride as soon as they were ready.

Each route concluded back at the Syracuse Community Center, with lunch provided by JNB Smokers. The meal was free to those who preregistered before July 1, and was available for purchase for the other riders. The finish will remain open until 5 p.m. this evening, which will give riders ample time to complete the course at their own pace.

For further information on Tour des Lakes, visit www.tourdeslakes,com, or search for it on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.