The Lions Club of Bell Gardens

       Presents the 23rd Annual Tour de Sewer

                   Bike Ride

   Main gallery

TOUR de SEWER
This fundraiser was established in 1986 by the Lions Club to raise much needed funds for the community of Bell Gardens.  Funds raised by this bicycle ride have allowed the Lions Club to provide eye exams and glasses for hundreds of Bell Gardens school children and set up a Leadership Program for local students.  The Lions Club also supports many other community projects benefiting Bell Gardens, such as school trips, reading programs, health fairs, and contributions to the Rio Hondo Boys and Girls Club and Sunshine Youth Services.  The Lions Club has supplied a pancake breakfast to benefit the STAR recreation program in Bell Gardens as well as a chicken dinner to the police department’s boxing program.

The legend passed down goes like this. In the '70 and 80s, a group of riders from Downey Cyclery would get together and ride a route that linked the riverbed paths of the Rio Hondo, San Gabriel and Los Angeles rivers.  The riverbeds were not well maintained at that time.  There was a lot of standing water and overgrowth.  Rumor has it that there was a sewage treatment plant they passed.  Someone dubbed it the sewer ride.  The name stuck.  In the middle of the 80’s there was a big surge in bicycle fun rides.  The Bell Gardens Lions Club was looking for a fundraiser to benefit our sight charities.  One of our members, Tom Bradley, suggested a bike ride and dubbed it the Tour de Sewer.  Many, many rides have come and gone since 1986, but because of the name and logo, we still attract attention.  We take great pride in putting on a quality event and are rewarded with a large percentage of return riders each year.

HOW TO GET THERE
The ride starts at Ford Park, 8000 Park Lane, Bell Gardens, CA 90201

To reach the park from the Santa Ana Freeway, exit on Paramount Blvd.  Go south 1 mile to Florence Ave.  Turn right and go west approximately 1 mile to Scout Ave. and turn left.  The park will be on your left.  Free parking is available at the park 8000 Park Lane.

For more information check out their web page at www.bellgardenslions.com

Saturday March 15, 2008

15, 30 or 62 Mile Fun Ride

  Ford Park Bell Gardens, CA