http://www.conquerthecoast.org/
Conquer the Coast, South Texas’ premiere cycling event, returns for its 15th year on Saturday, September 15, with registration opening February 1. The event, presented by H-E-B, returns after an emotional year in 2017 which saw many Conquer the Coast communities affected by Hurricane Harvey.
Damage was so extensive in Aransas Pass and Port Aransas that the signature 66-mile ride had to be altered and combined with the two shorter 10 and 21-mile rides. Despite the damage and changes to the event, over 1,800 cyclists participated in Conquer the Coast, helping local charities and their communities try to get back on their feet.
Event organizers expect all routes and amenities to be open for the 2018 rides. All three rides will all start and finish at Bayfront Park in Corpus Christi. The 66-mile ride leads cyclists over the Harbor Bridge – 138 feet high overlooking the Port of Corpus Christi – to Portland, through Ingleside, Aransas Pass and to Port Aransas, including time on the Port Aransas Ferry where riders may have a chance encounter with a dolphin or two. The route continues through Upper Padre Island – including the “Toughest 18 Miles in Texas” – and then through Naval Air Station Corpus Christi on the way to breathtaking views of Ocean Drive and Corpus Christi Bay and back through downtown Corpus Christi.
The Valero 10-mile cruise and 21-mile ride are just as captivating and rewarding with cyclists riding down Shoreline Drive down to Ocean Drive towards the campus of Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, and then back to downtown Corpus Christi.
Proceeds generated by the 15th Annual Conquer the Coast benefit the United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce Foundation, which helps develop leaders and entrepreneurs in Corpus Christi, the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islander Athletic Fund, and various cycling organizations throughout the Coastal Bend including Bikes for Kids and BikeTexas.
