We're so sorry, but we're also thrilled! The June 4, 2022 Tour de Manure is SOLD OUT! The metric century bicycle ride in Sierra Valley has filled all of its available spots. Please try again next year. Next year's egistrations will open in February, 2023. The limit of 500 riders is largely due to the lack of available parking, but is also because feeding this group after the ride is a challenge for the all-volunteer crew. “This event is completely volunteer supported, and we have chosen to limit participation to ensure that everyone in attendance has a fantastic, and safe, experience”, says tour boss Mike Blide.
Tour organizers, the Sierraville Recreation Association, is asking that only persons who are registered come out to ride on June 4. To get notified for next year's registration dates, follow the Tour on Facebook.
What the heck is the Tour de Manure?
“It’s a bunch of firefighters who never get on bicycles, putting on a century ride for people who do!” says Doug Read, founder of the one of California’s quirkiest rides, Sierra Valley’s Tour de Manure.
Cyclists say they love the Tour de Manure most because of its spirited volunteers. After getting your t-shirt and registration, you'll head out into the valley, where volunteer “Turn Cowboys” will guide you along the course. Rest stops run by bicycle clubs and church groups offer the sort of fixin's the gold miners hefted through the mountains in their sacks.
Just when you think you’re riding into a meadow-land outer space, a homemade lemonade stand will appear, run by the Spencer family next to their Lost Marbles ranch. Most of the ride is flat, but there are a few hills and sometimes some headwind in the last several miles of the course.
At the finish line party in downtown Sierraville, firefighters don’t let the cyclists go hungry. They serve up BBQ chicken and pulled pork, along with pasta, salad, garlic bread and homemade desserts, while Michael Hogan and his retro country rock ‘n’ roll band, The Simpletones, play live off the bumper of a vintage Chevy truck. Bring your dancing shoes!
Vertical Divider
START: Saturday, June 4, at the Sierraville Firehouse, 102 Main Street, Sierraville. (Turn east on Calif. Hwy 49 at Sierraville’s blinking light.) It's a casual, un-timed start. You can get going anytime between 8 and 9 a.m.
PARKING: Volunteers will help you to find parking on the street or in special free private lots provided by neighbors.
COST: $75 through May 28; $95 May 29 to June 4 (event day); $30 kids 12 and under.
YOU GET: A “ROARING BULL” T-SHIRT, rest stop food & drink, and a post-tour party with pulled pork and BBQ chicken from When Pigs Fly, and veggie beans plus salad, chips & salsa from Los Dos Hermanos, garlic bread, lemonade, cookies…. AND retro country and rock ‘n’ roll by Michael Hogan and The Simpletones. Draft beer for sale is from Alibi Ale Works, The Brewing Lair and FiftyFifty Brewing Company.
* Proceeds support the gang that brings you fun and culture locally,— the Sierraville Recreation Association — and those brave folks who pull you out of ditches and fight your fires — Sierra County Fire Protection District.
