HOUSTON — Downtown streets welcomed thousands of cyclists Sunday morning for the annual Tour de Houston ride. This time, the event is helping fund a plan to re-forest Houston parks.
The roads these bike riders traveled were paved with good intentions and Houston's top leader, Mayor John Whitmire, helped send them on their way.
"The energy of our city is on display today," Whitmire said.
Throughout the morning, bike riders rode out in waves. First the 60-mile course, then the 40-mile, and finally the 20-mile, sending them through Houston's historic and scenic districts.
"Every day you need to get out. And being able to be in Houston, it’s a beautiful city," said ride marshal Etienne Benay.
Benay and Conrad Hirseh are ride marshals.
"We’re like ambassadors of the road," said Hirseh.
They've each participated in Tour De Houston many times but are lending a helping hand to both regulars and newcomers this year. Jessica Enriquez developed a love for bike riding during the COVID pandemic and has she's stuck with it.
"I do at least 100 miles spread out a week," said Enriquez.
She’s prepped to peddle her way through her first cycle tour. Each entry will help fund the Park and Recreation Department's RePlant Houston program -- which will plant 2,500 trees at Houston Parks, reforesting the city in hopes of making it better.
"I feel like this is the beginning. I’m just putting myself out there and if it leads to something bigger, then I’m all up for it," Enriquez said.
Mayor Whitmire said the energy was ripe this morning as he blew the horn to start the ride. He said that energy is what we need to "propel the city forward and boost civic engagement.”
And new this year, the Tour de Houston had its start and finish line near Discovery Green, giving a picture-perfect backdrop to the ride.
"What I really like is that these rides every year going a different direction - north, south, east and west. So, it’s always a nice way to learn about our city," said Hirseh.