FIRST REGULAR SESSION

House Concurrent Resolution No. 56

94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2810L.01I

            Whereas, the first annual Tour of Missouri professional bicycle race will be held throughout Missouri from September 11-16, 2007; and

            Whereas, the Tour of Missouri is a major international sporting event with a high international ranking, involving the same athletes and teams as compete in the Tour de France, the Vuelta a España, the Giro d'Italia, the Tour de Georgia, and the Tour of California; and

            Whereas, Governor Blunt and Lt. Governor Kinder, chair of Missouri's Tourism Commission, in an effort to promote tourism for the state and health and wellness for Missouri residents, have provided the leadership to bring the Tour to Missouri; and

            Whereas, the Tour de Georgia welcomes over 600,000 spectators and the Tour of California over one million spectators annually, hundreds of thousands of these from out-of-state or out-of-country; and

            Whereas, national and international media coverage of the Tour of Missouri will put Missouri's bicycling attractions, outdoor recreational opportunities, forward-thinking communities, and scenic countryside before a world stage; and

            Whereas, the national and international media coverage will provide an excellent opportunity to highlight Missouri's many bicycling opportunities, including the Katy Trail and other trail networks, the Ozark Trail and other high-quality mountain biking and hiking trails, communities with existing or improving bicycle transportation networks, and the four major national bicycle touring routes that pass through Missouri: The TransAmerica Trail, the Lewis and Clark Trail, the Mississippi River/Great Rivers Trail, and the American Discovery Trail; and

            Whereas, the 2007 Tour of Missouri will feature the cities and countryside throughout much of Missouri, including Kansas City, Clinton, Springfield, Branson, Lebanon, Columbia, Jefferson City, St. Charles, St. Louis, and others; and

            Whereas, the annual nature of the Tour of Missouri allows the route to be varied from year to year, thus bringing the benefits of tourism, travel, international media exposure, and economic development to many different cities, regions, and attractions throughout the entire state of Missouri over a period of years; and

            Whereas, the Health and Wellness Fair that will travel with the Tour and the school outreach activities associated with the tour will reach many thousands of Missourians with a health and wellness message and encouragement to pursue their own healthy lifestyles as they enjoy Missouri's many outdoor recreational opportunities; and

            Whereas, the month of September will include many health and wellness activities, bicycle events, and other community events that will be related to or be enhanced by their association with the Tour of Missouri:

            Now, therefore, be it resolved that the members of the House of Representatives of the Ninety-fourth General Assembly, First Regular Session, the Senate concurring therein, hereby urge all to participate in the events planned and to enjoy the healthy lifestyle choices and recreational activities promoted during the month; and

            Be it further resolved that the Chief Clerk of the Missouri House of Representatives be instructed to prepare a properly inscribed copy of this resolution for the Director of the Division of Tourism.