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Tour of the Moon Draws Hundreds from Around Nation

by KREX News Room
by Courtney Griffin

Story Created: Oct 5, 2012 at 7:33 PM MDT

Story Updated: Oct 7, 2012 at 10:26 PM MDT

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.- The Grand Valley will host nearly 1,800 bicyclists this weekend for the first non-competitive Tour of the Moon ride.

"It's one of the most scenic rides or drives in the American West," said Michelle Wheatley, chief of visitor services for the Colorado National Monument.

"The bike shops, the hotels, they all benefit from an event like this," said Layne Whyman, convention services coordinator for the Visitor and Convention Bureau.

Riders have their choice of taking the 41 or 62-mile ride on the Colorado National Monument.

"I've been joking around telling them I'm going to bail out and do the 41-mile-long, but it's not going to happen, I'm going to end up doing it," said Alin Steward, a participant from New Hampshire.

Officials say they anticipating riders will take part in other activities while in the Grand Valley.

"We're going to golf a little bit later today," said Steward.

"We're expecting about a quarter of a million dollar impact from this one event alone," said Whyman.

The Colorado National Monument will remain open Saturday during the race, but the east entrance will be restricted to one lane, and there may be some traffic.

"It's a perfect time to be outdoors, spending time out on our public lands, to go hiking or biking, or even just finding a great winery and tasting some of the fruit of the valley," said Whyman.

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JBS said on Tuesday, Oct 9 at 8:52 PM

We loved it! We'll be extending our stay next year; one night wasn't enough! Post-ride we visited the Monument (fun!) and and visited a couple of local wineries (even better!) Gorgeous all around -

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