Community Calendar

Yuma Mayor Douglas J Nicholls invites residents and their families to join him and 4FrontED leaders in the Fourth Mayors' Binational Bicycle Ride, set to begin at 8 am on Saturday, October 19th, in the east parking lot of the Yuma Civic Center. The bicyclists will take off on a route through Somerton, Gadsden, and San Luis, AZ, to experience the beauty and charm of the southwestern Arizona region before finishing in San Luis Rio Colorado,m Sonora.  Cycled at a leisurely pace in five-mile increments, the family friendly ride stretches over 25 miles and provides a unique opportunity to experience the binational 4FrontED region.  Mayor Nicholls and leaders from 4FrontED founded this event to unite communities and elected officials in a healthy, diverse bike ride.  Those wishing to finish the ride in full will cross the u.s. Mexico border at the San Luis Port of Entry 1, and are reminded to bring proper documentation for their return to the United States.  SLRC Mayor Santos Gonzalez Yescas will host a finisher's celebration at a park near San Luis Rio Colorado's City Hall, with live music, local craft and food vendors, and medals for the bicyclists. "  It's one more way to experience the unique blend of culture, history, and partnership that exists between our communities near the border" says Mayor Nicolls. "Not only is Mexico our number one trading partner in Arizona, but Mexico is our neighbor and ally in so many ways.  I encourage everyone to spend a day riding through the outdoors and finishing with some great festivities and food just south of the border".   More information on participation:  * Bicyclists of all ages and levels are welcome, those under 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. * No prior experience necessary. The ride will be guided by area public safety agencies for the public's safety along the route and in case anyone needs any assistance.  * All participants are to bring their own bicycle, helmet, and proper documentation to cross the international border.  * Sunscreen and comfortable athletic attire is recommended.  *  Arrive at the Yuma Civic Center's parking lot at 7 am for registration and to fill out a waiver.  Elected officials and leaders will be on site at the parking lot to welcome the crowd and give brief speeches before embarking on the route.  * The first 300 people to arrive for the 7 am registration will receive a free official participant's T - shirt.  A variety of sizes are available.  No pre-orders or holds.  * Water and snacks will be provided at stops along the route.  * Participants may either utilize sponsored public transportation, or coordinate a ride home after the race from the U.S.  - Mexico, unless they wish to ride their bicycles back to Yuma.  *Some public transportation will be available that day.  Bicyclists are to cross the border back into the United States through the San Luis Port of Entry 1 pedestrian lane.  In the past, many bicyclists arrange for a friend or family member to pick them up at the finish in San Luis Colorado, and then utilize the car lane with their bicycles loaded onto the vehicles.  Mayors and county supervisors from Yuma County and the Cities of Yuma, Somerton, San Luis, Wellton, and San Luis Colorado have led the ride through the mega-region for three years in a row.  This, Fourth year, elected officials and leaders from throughout the states of Arizona , Baja California, California, and Sonora will be engaged.  A Facebook event has been created . For questions on this event, please contact: Intergovernmental Affairs Specialist, Lucy Valencia at 928-373-5016 or Lucy.Valencia@YumaAz.gov.  If you are a local business/entity who would like to participate in the event as a sponsor, contact Executive Director of 4FrontED, Nazzer Mendez at 928-371-5013 or nmendez@4FrontED.org.