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The "Durrwalker" cup is a tribute in the local vernacular, to a person who was an important part of the original makers of Picayune Strand State Forest. In particular, she was a integral part of the mapping and naming of trails and boundaries while working through the difficult details and politics of the land acquisition phase required for the eventual restoration project now underway to the east.
Senior Forester Sonja Durrwachter was her proper title, and one most appropriate for a true forester opening the door to the future for the newly defined state forest. The petite blonde had her work cut out for her, often in the field alone, working in a place deemed by many as Florida's last frontier. Poachers, dumpers, hunters, squatters, suspicious residents, fugitives and recreationists of all kinds knew Sonja and her tireless work in getting Picayune Forest off the ground and making it an equal among giants of special places managed by the State of Florida.

    Tour de Picayune is a cross country bicycle race over the old trails and lands through the backwoods and swamps of Picayune Strand State Forest in Southwest Florida.
Dry sand, wet sand, rocks, soft gravel, hard gravel, grass, logs and even some rough asphalt describe the range of riding surfaces; Generally, variations of soft, sandy trails that can change significantly in accordance to recent past as well as current weather, traffic, humidity and water levels, and it's sometimes hard to predict the right tires or even the best bike for overall performance.
    But the main point of this race is the tour, and this year it's a 50 mile odyssey ride (2 - 25 mile laps) in South Belle Meade that will be the course determining
the first place finisher and the 2012 champion. The winner of first annual Tour de Picayune will have his/her name, hometown and year of victory placed at the top
of the championship series cup winners roll for historical record and public display.

- There are 3 distance classes to ride- 12.5, 25 and 50 miles.
- All riders must be over 14 and sign a liability waiver and wear a helmet.
- 1 champion only - 50 mile course winner.
- First, second and third place recognitions for each distance class.
- Race packet pick-up and sign-in begins 7:30 am.
- Race starts at 9:00 am for 50 & 25. 10 am for 12.5
- Registration begins at 8 am. Pick up wagon starts at 1 pm.
- Post race ceremonies begin at 4pm. Winner collects prizes and accolades.
- Post race party at Snake pit camp.
                                             *Entry Fees
                   Single entrant-    $40.00 ($50 day of race).
                   Student entrant- $30.00 ($40 day of race).
                   Family entrant- $40 + $20 ea. add'l. family member.

Contact Wes Wilkins - Race director, for more information and registration.
       e-mail: wes@tourdepicayune.com or call 239-353-1648 anytime.