SEASIDE – On Sunday, August 5, the City of Seaside Oregon helped welcome the 2012 STIHL Tour des Trees to its town following the completion of day one of the 20th annual ride for research.

The event was a first for Seaside, but one we hope will be a catalyst for future events making Seaside an overnight destination for organized rides. Located at milepost 20 of Highway 101 (also known as the Oregon Coast Highway), Seaside is often a stopping point for those biking all 363 miles of the scenic Oregon coastline.

While its quite common to see groups of one, two and four riders make their way through this coastal town, having over 100 overnight visitors come to town on two wheels was a new and exciting venture.

The group spent one night at the Best Western Ocean View Resort and chose from a bevy of dining options throughout our walkable community on Sunday night. Based on overnight spending studies provided by Travel Oregon, we estimate this ride to have contributed between $15,000 and $17,000 to our local economy.

In addition to a post-ride event at Quatat Park in the heart of downtown Seaside, a group of riders helped plant two trees at the Seaside Arboretum on Monday, August 6 prior to the start of day two of the weeklong Tour. The trees will be a lasting contribution to our community and a boost to future development at the property located next the Seaside Historical Museum.

Photos of the two-day event can be found here:

http://www.seasideor.com/item.asp?iid=518