Once again, its time for the Tour des Chutes, a fundraising cycling event for cancer education, awareness, care and treatment.  While the main event is Saturday; this past Wednesday and Thursday, some short "Cycle Pub" rides were held around Bend.  The big ride featuring distances from 7-100 miles begins and ends at High Lakes Elementary School on Bend's west side beginning at 5:30 a.m. 

Gary Bonacker, founder of the ride, came up with the idea in 2005 after beating a bout with brain cancer.  He said he didn't want to be known as "Gary the cancer guy."  He loved to ride his bike, so he wanted to do something meaningful to fight cancer.  The Tour des Chutes is a family friendly ride and there will be festivities all day long at High Lakes Elementary. Registration is $55 a person and there is a family rate.