40th Annual Midwest Tandem Rally is This Weekend

Another weekend, another chance for Rockford to show off for visitors. This weekend, we're talking about the sport of tandem cycling, and the 40th Annual Midwest Tandem Rally.

Over 600 cyclists from all over the country are descending on Rockford for this weekends activities, bringing with them a terrific economic impact of nearly $165,000.

Some details, from The Rockford Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (RACVB):

This four day event draws riders, organizers and supporters throughout the Midwest and as far as California, Texas, Vermont, Canada and France. Tandem teams are provided a variety of route options that take them throughout Winnebago county, and neighboring counties such as Boone, Ogle, and DeKalb. Some routes that teams will ride are as long as 70 miles. Along with tandems, cyclists also will ride triplet, quad and quint cycles in this event. The oldest registered participant for MTR is 80 years old and the youngest is 2 years old.

“It has been a pleasure to work with the Midwest Tandem Rally affiliates to organize such a great event in the Rockford region. I’m so thrilled that this event is giving people from all over the world an opportunity to experience all that our local area has to offer,” RACVB Sales Manager Greta Spencer said.

Mass Start begins at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 5 at the Forest City Tennis Center located at 7801 East State Street, Rockford. For specific information visit MTR2015.org.

“The Chicago Area Tandem Society is very excited to welcome tandem cyclists to Rockford for MTR 2015. The RACVB has helped us plan a weekend of great riding and fun while showcasing various Rockford points of interest,” said Ford Sakata, Midwest Tandem Rally Event Co-Coordinator.