HOUSTON – The American Red Cross inaugural Tour du Rouge raised about $500,000 for six Red Cross Chapters from Houston to New Orleans thanks to the funds raised by cyclists and a contribution from presenting sponsor ModSpace.
More than 100 cyclists completed the challenging six-day, 512-mile route from Houston to New Orleans to raise money and awareness for disaster preparedness.
The May 3-8 tour included an overnight stop in Gonzales at the Holiday Inn.
Tour du Rouge cyclists completed their ride into the plaza on the New Orleans Riverwalk, led by four cyclists carrying the American, Texas, Louisiana, and Red Cross flags as they arrived to the applause of families, friends and media.
Cyclists came from throughout North America to ride in this premier cycling event in support of the Red Cross. Four executives from presenting sponsor ModSpace also made a personal commitment by riding the full 512 miles.
"To ride along the Gulf Coast and witness the destruction and devastation these communities have endured post Hurricane Katrina, Rita, Gustav and Ike, was an incredible experience,” said Kevin Bremer, senior vice president of ModSpace’s U.S. Field Operations and a Tour rider. “Our hope as a company is that the funds raised through this event will make a significant impact in further aiding the disaster prone communities along the Gulf Coast.”
At the end of each day, cyclists rode to the ModSpace Hospitality/Cyber Café mobile offices set up at each hotel. There, riders were able to wash their bikes, enjoy some food and drink, and get online to blog or reconnect with family, friends or work. Massage therapists were also available to the riders at the end of each day, and were in great demand by participants, who averaged 85 miles per day.
On their sixth and final day, cyclists rode onto the Mississippi River Levee and into New Orleans’ Audubon Park. After a jambalaya lunch, the cyclists, led by police escort, rode through the French Quarter to the finish line. The cyclists were thrilled with their six-day adventure, and many said they can’t wait for next year's ride.
“The Tour was an experience of a lifetime and ModSpace and their colleagues contributed a significant leadership role in this amazing event,” said Bob Reid, a Tour du Rouge rider from Hobbs, New Mexico. “They stepped up to the plate and proved to be a first class sponsor.”
ModSpace is familiar with the Gulf Coast and its needs during disasters.
With the success of the inaugural Tour du Rouge, the American Red Cross is already working on plans for the next Tour in May 2010.
For more information, visit www.tourdurouge.org.
