Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, in partnership with The Bronx Tourism Council, New York Yankees, Montefiore Einstein, Cricket Wireless, MetroPlus Health, Tronex Health, The New York Botanical Garden, and other event sponsors, joined over 4,000 cyclists for the 30th Annual Tour de Bronx, which kicked off at 161st Street and the Grand Concourse, next to Joyce Kilmer Park, on Sunday, Oct. 6.

Recognized each year as the largest, free cycling event in New York State, the 10-mile, 25-mile, and 40-mile routes took bikers through a host of neighborhoods across The Bronx. Multi-platinum music producer, musician, and executive at Platinum Boy Music, Inc., Antwan “Amadeus” Thompson, emceed the opening ceremony.

“Now in its 30th year here in the Boogie Down, it’s an honor to host Tour De Bronx, providing riders with a unique way to explore and appreciate our county,” said Gibson. “Our family-friendly 10-mile ride, the intermediate 25-mile, and advanced 40-mile routes take riders from Mott Haven, Melrose, Soundview, and beyond.”

She added, “With an emphasis on encouraging alternative modes of transportation and fitness, Tour de Bronx attracts both new and skilled cyclists to explore our borough. A special thank you to all our amazing sponsors, volunteers, staff, and others who contributed to making this year`s Tour de Bronx a huge success.”

All bike routes ended at the New York Botanical Garden, located at 2900 Southern Boulevard in Bedford Park, where Gibson was joined by Emmy and LA Press Club award-winning journalist and weekend morning anchor for ABC7’s Eyewitness News in New York City, Pedro Rivera, who served as emcee for the official closing ceremony. Bikers and supporters enjoyed free musical performances on the day by Amadeus, D.J. Spynfo, Lulada Club, and Estela Starr, raffle giveaways, and more.

Julius Drake, director of development for the Bronx Tourism Council, said the Tour’s 30th anniversary was a resounding success. “Special thanks to our amazing team, our sponsors, media, and agency partners for making this happen,” he said. “What a pleasure it was to ride, explore, and celebrate The Bronx.”

His thoughts were echoed by Bronx Economic Development Corporation President Rob Walsh, who said, in part, of the event, in which he also participated, “Not only was it a beautiful day for a bike ride, but over 4,000 people got the chance to experience The Bronx in a unique, healthy way.”  Walsh added, “I’m looking forward to many more years of Tour de Bronx.

For her part, Yianna Justo, director of community affairs at Montefiore Einstein, said the Tour was a remarkable event which Montefiore Einstein was honored to support each year. “Partnering with the Bronx Borough President’s Office and the Bronx Tourism Council to unite residents of this vibrant borough and New Yorkers from all over, for the largest free cycling event in New York State is something we take great pride in,” she said.

Justo added, “This year, we’re proud to have participated with our cycling team, and held a restorative yoga session, promoting balance and mindfulness as part of a holistic health journey. We thank everyone who joined us, embraced the outdoors, engaged in physical activity, and celebrated the beauty of The Bronx.”

 

Meanwhile, Edmund S. Tai, senior vice president of Tronex said he was delighted and honored to receive the “Vanessa L. Gibson, President of the Borough of The Bronx Citation of Merit.” He said Tour was a great success and enjoyed by all. “It was an amazingly well-organized event supported by passionate community leaders, volunteers, and talented artists with the full sponsorship of community leaders that kept the 4,000 plus riders safe and well,” Tai said. “This epitomized the best in bringing families, friends, beginners, and expert riders in showcasing the wonderful community of the Bronx.”

Steve Mitchell, MBA, vice-president of sales administration at MetroPlus Health, said he, too, was proud to sponsor and participate in what he described as an amazing event, traversing the beautiful Bronx roads alongside the community. “The Tour De Bronx is a great way to be active and explore the many neighborhoods, parks, and greenways in the borough,” he added.

 

Meanwhile, Heather Omahne, lead manager for the northeast at Cricket Wireless, said her team was “so grateful” to be part of the Tour de Bronx. “We got to talk with thousands of people from The Bronx, the boroughs, and all over the world,” she said.

 

The Tour de Bronx was established in 1994 to showcase Bronx neighborhoods, scenic waterfronts, and greenways, and to promote healthy lifestyles. For more information, visit ilovethebronx.com.

Media sponsors for the 30^th anniversary of Tour de Bronx were 1010 WINS, Bronxnet Television, News 12 The Bronx, PIX 11 News, Schneps Media, and WABC-TV.