The 2011 Tour of Long Beach kicked-off Wednesday, April 6 outside the entrance of Miller Children’s Hospital Long Beach. Patients from Miller Children’s Long Beach, who are battling cancer and other serious blood disorders, competed in a tricycle race against professional cyclist Tony Cruz around the outside pavilion entrance. Patients were joined by their family, community members, Mayor Bob Foster, and employees of the hospital to celebrate the first of a series of events leading up to the Tour of Long Beach on May 14.

The Tour invites amateur cyclists and bicycle enthusiasts of all skill levels to ride on a 31-mile open course along bike paths throughout the city. Participants in the tour will be raising money for pediatric hematology/oncology research at Miller Children’s Hospital Long Beach.

Tony Cruz also led a moment of silence for Mark Bixby, Long Beach Bike Festival founder and long-time community leader. Mayor Foster called the tricycle race where more than 20 patients from Miller Children’s Hospital Long Beach participated.

“The Tour of Long Beach is a terrific event that sparked my interest in cycling,” said Mayor Bob Foster. “This is a great cause and I encourage everyone to join us on May 14. I also want to invite people when they sign up to join my team – the Mayor’s Mighty Milers.”