TOUR DE NORTH COUNTY : Four-course cycling tour

More than 5,000 cyclists are expected to pedal through the back roads of North County in the sixth annual Security Pacific Bank Tour de North County on Sunday, starting at Rancho Buena Vista High School in Vista.

With four scenic courses ranging from 5 to 75 miles, the tours are designed for seasoned cyclists and novices. Each course provides rest stops with water and snacks.

The 75-mile ride begins at 6:30 a.m. and goes to Fallbrook and back using Old Highway 395. The 50-mile tour begins at 7:15 a.m. and follows a course through the country back roads of Bonsall.

The 25-mile jaunt begins at 8:30 a.m. and winds through Vista, offering views of everything from cornfields to mansions. A 5-mile fun ride departs at 10:15 a.m. and tours the neighboring Shadowridge development.

All participants will receive a T-shirt. A post-ride party outside the school will feature fruit, cheeses and breads, musical entertainment, a costume contest and prize drawings.

Tour de North County has grown from 700 cyclists in 1985 to more than 4,000 at last year’s event.

In past years, the Tour de North County has raised almost $75,000 for area hospitals. Beneficiaries of this year’s event include Tri-City Hospital Foundation, Scripps Memorial Hospital-Encinitas and Fallbrook Hospital Foundation.

What: Tour de North County Bike Ride.

Where: Rides begin and end at Rancho Buena Vista High School, corner of Melrose Street and Live Oak in Vista.

When: Sunday. Start times are 6:30 a.m. for 75-mile ride; 7:15 a.m. for 50-mile ride; 8:30 a.m. for 25-mile ride; 10:15 a.m. for 5-mile ride.

Cost: On day of event, $24 for adults, $17 for cyclists under 18-years-old.

Calls: Elite Racing, 275-5440.

Notes: Pre-tour bike checks will be given on the day of event for $5. For safety, all riders must wear cycling helmets and have bicycles checked.