More than 1,000 expected to participate in July 16 late night bike ride
Registration has opened for the second annual Owl Ride, Omaha’s nighttime urban cycling adventure. The unique recreational bike ride set for Saturday, July 16 is the largest annual night bicycle ride between Chicago and Denver.
Log on to owlride.org to register and find more information. The cost to register is $25 for individuals and $50 for families.
Last year, more than 1,000 participants turned out for the inaugural Owl Ride, with post-ride surveys indicating 96 percent of respondents intended to ride again in 2011. This year’s ride starts at 11 p.m. at Omaha’s riverfront and travels through downtown, Midtown, Dundee, Aksarben, Field Club and the Old Market, with “Owl perch’’ stops and support along the way.
Corporations and clubs are encouraged to sign up teams. In 2010, Valmont Industries won the traveling trophy that goes to the largest Owl Ride team.
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, the University of Nebraska Medical Center, The Nebraska Medical Center, Sodexo, Oxide Design, Sports Authority, Union Pacific, Mutual of Omaha, Omaha Public Power District and Kutak Rock LLP.
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.