Riverfront start won’t be impacted by flooding
More than 1,000 cyclists have already registered for the 2nd annual Owl Ride, Omaha’s nighttime urban cycling adventure. Set for 11 p.m. on Saturday, July 16, the unique recreational bike ride is the largest annual night bicycle ride between Chicago and Denver.
The flooding along the Missouri River in Omaha won’t keep the Owl Ride from starting in the heart of downtown along the city’s revitalized riverfront.
The flooding along the Missouri River in Omaha won’t keep the Owl Ride from starting in the heart of downtown along the city’s revitalized riverfront.
This year’s ride will begin and end at the upper levels of Lewis and Clark Landing. Access to the bike trail along Riverfront Drive the day of the ride could result in minor route changes. Event organizers will notify registered participants via email of necessary updates related to the Missouri River and related flood mitigation measures.
Overall, the 16-mile route will take riders from the riverfront through downtown to Midtown Crossing, Dundee, Aksarben Village, Field Club and the Old Market, with four "Owl Perch” rest stops supplied by event sponsors. A seven-mile short cut route also is available.
Five of the area’s bicycle shops will provide mechanical support along the route, as well as at the start. A map of this year’s route is included with this release.
Participants can register online at owlride.org until July 15. The cost to register online is $25 for individuals and $50 for families. Registration on the day of the event will be $35 for individuals and $70 for families.
All cyclists must be equipped with, at a minimum, front lights and rear red reflectors, as required by state law for riding after dark. Last year, bicycle decorations ranging from battery-powered holiday lights to a custom neon creation enhanced the fun atmosphere of the Owl Ride. A Bright Bike contest will be held once again with the winner receiving a $250 prize.
All cyclists must be equipped with, at a minimum, front lights and rear red reflectors, as required by state law for riding after dark. Last year, bicycle decorations ranging from battery-powered holiday lights to a custom neon creation enhanced the fun atmosphere of the Owl Ride. A Bright Bike contest will be held once again with the winner receiving a $250 prize.
The ride benefits the Meyer Foundation for Disabilities, which supports social and recreational programs for people with developmental disabilities in the Omaha metro area.
MFD, a non-profit led and run by volunteers, funds community programs operated by the professional staff of the renowned Munroe-Meyer Institute at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Go to omahadisabilities.org to learn more about MFD’s work and mission.
Major sponsors of the Owl Ride include Metro Health Services Federal Credit Union, WOWT, the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Sodexo, The Nebraska Medical Center, Oxide Design Co., Sports Authority, Interstate All Battery Center, Jones Bros. Cupcakes, Whole Foods, Omaha Public Power District, Union Pacific, Mutual of Omaha, Kutak Rock LLP, Omaha Steaks, Lawlor’s Custom Sportswear, Shredding Solutions and State Farm Insurance.
Munroe-Meyer Institute is committed to unlocking the potential of children and adults with developmental disabilities and genetic disorders through exceptional patient care, education and research. MMI health care providers annually diagnose and treat more than 10,000 children and adults with special needs.