Bike Event Finds New Home In Sioux Falls

A bike riding event that's traditionally toured the back roads of South Dakota is moving to Sioux Falls.

A tour around the 20-mile bike trail in Sioux Falls is a way to be active and promote a healthy lifestyle.  That's exactly what city leaders hope to do by moving the Argus Leader Tour de Kota to Sioux Falls.  The two-day event will now be known as Tour Sioux Falls.

"We also know that in Sioux Falls, our level of physical activity has really stagnated over the last ten years.  So we can indeed reverse those trends and this is one important way we can do that," Public Health Director Jill Franken said.

The event will be June 29 and 30, with the 20-mile trail ride on Saturday.  Sunday will feature a ride on city streets and conclude with live music.  The city will reveal more information about the event in the coming weeks, along with advice on healthy living, in an effort to improve health and get people ready for the ride.

"We're going to go through a five-month training program to get our arms, our legs and yes, get our tails ready as well, and if you're a bicyclist, you know what I'm talking about," Mayor Mike Huether said.

As for the City of Sioux Falls, city leaders hope the event will showcase all of the features of the bike trail.

"It's been a long time in coming since our bike trail was truly open for all of us to enjoy.  Well Sioux Falls, guess what.  It is ready for you to enjoy," Mayor Huether said.

And with the announcement, even the mayor is pumped up for a two-wheel tour.

KELOLAND News Chief Photographer Kevin Kjergaard took a GoPro camera along for a ride on the entire bike trail this past fall.  Click on the video player below to watch.