Some 2,000 riders are expected Saturday July 12 for the fifth 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 2014 ride starts at 10 p.m. at Lewis and Clark Landing on 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 8-mile course is also available, making the Owl ride a fun, active experience for riders of all ages and abilities. A map of the course is included with this release.
Last year, nearly 2,000 participants rode the non-competitive tour through Omaha’s vibrant urban core. Registration numbers to date suggest a like turnout this year. The current extended weather forecast calls for dry and very pleasant conditions.
It’s not too late to register. Participants can sign up online through midnight on Friday July 11 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 1 p.m. at the Sports Authority store at 885 S. 72nd St.; or beginning at 8 p.m. at the riverfront. The cost is $30 for individuals and $10 for riders 18 and under when accompanied by an adult; $35 and $15 the day of the event.
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.
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 and by other community partners. Go to omahadisabilities.org to learn more about MFD's work and mission.
Major sponsors of the Owl Ride include Metro Credit Union, WOWT-Channel 6, Regal Printing, Oxide Design, the University of Nebraska Medical Center, The Nebraska Medical Center, the Munroe-Meyer Institute, Cline Williams law firm, Interstate Batteries, Whole Foods, Hy-Vee, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Sodexo, Sports Authority, Lawlor's Custom Sportswear, Ron Niederhaus/State Farm, Oriental Trading, Papillion Sanitation, Road ID, Blackstone District, Field Club of Omaha and Aksarben Village.
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 and follow us on social media.