Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009 Early Registration extended through Friday, Oct. 16

The Tour de Tolerance was founded in 2006 by Walter Chayes, a past-president of the El Paso Holocaust Museum and Study Center, as a way to raise funds for the Museum, a nonprofit entity. Originally created as a bike ride for both advanced and novice riders, this year’s event has expanded to include a 5k competitive run and 1-mile fun walk.

Cyclists will have an opportunity to ride through some of the city’s most scenic routes. This year’s 100K ride will also be more challenging and will be a true test to the skill and determination of advanced cyclists from El Paso and the surrounding areas.

The Museum has once again partnered with Fort Bliss for the event and participants will be able to experience the generosity and hospitality of Fort Bliss throughout the entire morning.

Additionally, Sierra Providence Health Network has signed on as the Tour de Tolerance’s title sponsor for the fourth consecutive year.

All of the proceeds from the Tour de Tolerance will go toward operating expenses for the El Paso Holocaust Museum and Study Center.

 

About the Museum
This year marks the Museum’s 25th Anniversary. It was in 1984 when Holocaust survivor Henry Kellen decided he wanted to tell his personal story and, with a few books and memorabilia, the idea of a museum was first born. An electrical fire in 2001 destroyed the first Museum, but a dedicated group of community volunteers worked to raise money for a new Museum which opened its doors to the public in January, 2008.

Today, the Museum is one of only 13 free-standing Holocaust Museums in the entire United States.

The Museum is dedicated to educating the public about the Nazi Holocaust; to honoring the victims and those who were able to survive; and to fighting prejudice and bigotry.

Learn more about the Museum at www.elpasoholocaustmuseum.org.

 

Q&A with Mike Coulter of Race Adventures.

The El Paso Holocaust Museum and Study Center has partnered with Race Adventures to help organize this year’s race. Mike Coulter of Race Adventures, shares his thoughts about the upcoming race. Mr. Coulter is the Tour de Tolerance’s Race Director.

EPHM: Mike, can you tell us about these major changes for this year’s Tour de Tolerance?
MC: Let’s start with the 100K. Based on feedback we received from some of the area’s most accomplished cyclists, this year’s 100K course will definitely be more challenging. Starting on Fort Bliss adjacent to Stout Gym, riders will make their way over TransMountain Road, proceed north and return over the Anthony Gap. We have also added a 5K Run & 1-Mile Walk as a means of including more people from the community in the fun.

EPHM: How is this event different from the other sporting events you help coordinate in El Paso?
MC: This event, in terms of distance, is the longest event I’ve participated in. Taking that into consideration, it presents its own set of unique challenges. The number of volunteers and resources required to cover the course are significant. With the addition of a 5K & 1-mile foot race, we hope to have something for everybody.

EPHM: What are some of the advantages of having a more difficult race course for cyclists?
MC: The unique nature of this course -- climbing to over 5200 ft. and the distance -- will draw participants from throughout the Southwest and beyond. Rarely do cyclists have the opportunity to ride this particular course with the support we will be providing. 

EPHM: Will there be courses for less-experienced cyclists as well?
MC: Absolutely. There will be a 50K that does not traverse the mountain and there will be a 10K family ride as well.

EPHM: What was the idea behind adding the run/walk courses?
MC: Our goal was to involve as many people as we could in this event. Based on the success of other events in the area, we decided that adding a run/walk would be an effective way to do that. After all, we want everyone in El Paso to become acquainted with the Museum and the work that it does.