More than 2,000 riders are expected Saturday, July 14 for the third annual Owl Ride, Omaha's nighttime urban cycling adventure. The unique recreational bike ride is the largest annual night bicycle ride between Chicago and Denver.
The 2012 ride starts at 11 p.m. at Omaha's riverfront and follows a 16-mile course through downtown, Midtown, Dundee, Aksarben, Field Club and the Old Market, with ‘Owl Perch’ stops and support along the way. A shorter 7-mile course also is available, making the Owl Ride a fun, active experience for riders of all ages and abilities. View a map of the course.
It’s not too late to register. Participants can sign up through Friday, July 13 at owlride.org. Those who want to register on the day of the ride can do so in two ways: from 10 a.m. to noon at the two Sports Authority stores (885 S. 72nd St. and 17021 Evans Plaza); or beginning at 7 p.m. at Lewis and Clark Landing, the starting point for the ride. The cost is $30 for individuals and $60 for families, $35 and $70 the day of the event.
Last year, more than 2,000 participants rode the non-competitive tour through Omaha’s vibrant metro core. Based on registration numbers to date, even more are expected this year.
All cyclists must be equipped with, at a minimum, front lights and rear red reflectors, as required by state law for riding after dark, and a helmet. In past years, bicycle decorations – ranging from battery-powered holiday lights to custom neon creations – enhanced the atmosphere of the ride. The Interstate Batteries Bright Bike Contest will be held once again, with a top cash prize of $250 for the best-decorated bike.
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: WOWT-TV, Metro Health Services Federal Credit Union, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Sodexo, The Nebraska Medical Center, Munroe-Meyer Institute, Oxide Design, Clear Channel Communications, Interstate Batteries, Whole Foods, Hy-Vee, Jones Bros. Cupcakes, Cline Williams law firm, Pitch Pizza, Sports Authority, Lawlor's Custom Sportswear, Union Pacific Railroad, Mutual of Omaha, Omaha Steaks, State Farm, Shredding Solutions, Aksarben Village, Rick's Cafe Boatyard, Field Club, and Midtown Crossing
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.
Through world-class research and patient care, UNMC generates breakthroughs that make life better for people throughout Nebraska and beyond. Its education programs train more health professionals than any other institution in the state. Learn more at unmc.edu.