Credit: Sports Backers

One of the complaints I’d heard from people thinking about doing the Sports Backers’ new cycling event — the Martin’s Tour of Richmond — was that they weren’t sure, for the shorter distance rides, how they’d get back to the start point to get their cars. Well, the SB’s must have heard the same complaint because they’ve done something about it.

Take a FREE shuttle back to the start location where your vehicle is located. Due to limited space, the shuttle will only be for participants, not bicycles. Bikes are not allowed on the shuttles under any circumstances. When you finish the ride at the Richmond Raceway Complex, check your bike in Bike Parking, leaving the number plate on your bike. The shuttle will take participants to the starting location of both the 29- and 59-mile courses. Drive your car back to the raceway to retrieve your bike. You will be able to retrieve your bike by showing the bike parking attendant your bib number corresponding with the number plate on your bike. Shuttles will begin at 2 pm. All bicycles must be picked up from bike parking by 8 pm.

In other Tour of Richmond news, Sports Backers PR manager Jackie Holt told me that, as of Monday, they were about 500 people entered in the race over all three distances. She said that wasn’t quite where they thought it would be, but the hope is that this free shuttle offering will bring out more riders interested in the shorter-distance rides.