Forget about that Groundhog -- the surest sign that spring is right around the corner is that Tour dem Parks is just a few short months away, and that registration is now OPEN!  We are already counting down to Tour Day -- Sunday, June 12th.  As in years past, we are offering four options for routes: 

The Family Ride -- a laid-back, kid-friendly 12-mile jaunt highlighting the Gwynn's Falls Trail.

Le Petite Tour -- a 25-mile ride great for newbies or those recently returned to the joy of cycling, showing off a nice sampling of Baltimore's great parks from large to small.   

Le Grand Tour -- a 36-mile ride through the five largest parks (Gwynn's Falls/Leakin, Druid Hill, Clifton, Patterson, Carroll) and many neighborhood and street parks.

The Metric Century – our fourth Metric Century ride (64 miles), for experienced riders only, which once again features an all-new route.

Registration is open now -- our Paypal-driven registration page is on our redesigned website: www.tourdemparks.org (Click the “Registration” tab.) 

 Save some bucks by registering now -- our Early Bird rate applies only until May 31, 2011.  As an Early Bird registrant, you are also assured of having a 2011 Tour dem Parks T-shirt in your choice of size -- this year you specify T-shirt size as part of the registration process to make double-triple sure you get the size you want!

CALENDAR LISTING
Sunday, May 1, 2011

Media Contact:
Jamie Watt/Shelly May
410-243-3790

BIKERS AND HIKERS LIFT THEIR FEET AND THEIR VOICES AT ROAR FOR AUTISM
Kennedy Krieger’s Annual Bike Ride and Nature Walk to Raise Funds for Autism Research

BALTIMORE, MD – Once again, adults and children of all ages will come together to break the silence surrounding autism and “ROAR” for the millions of children who cannot. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, the prevalence rate of autism, a complex, life-altering, developmental disorder, has risen to 1 in 110 children. In an effort to raise critically needed funds for autism research, Kennedy Krieger Institute will host the seventh annual ROAR for Autism on Sunday, May 1 at Oregon Ridge Park. Kennedy Krieger continues to be one of the nation’s leaders in autism research, striving to provide earlier diagnosis and a better understanding of how the disorder affects the brain to develop successful treatments.
 
ROAR for Autism will feature events and activities for everyone, including challenging 50- and 25- mile rides, a 10-mile ride for recreational bikers, a 5-mile ride designed for beginner cyclists, and a youth fun ride.  For those who prefer to stay on two feet, Oregon Ridge Nature Center will be leading guided nature walks. The popular Wegmans Wellness Village will be back once again featuring healthy food for all families including those with children on special autism diets. In addition to a bike ride, nature walk and great food, the family fun festival features carnival games, balloon animals and musical entertainment.
 
The online team fundraising component will continue this year; participants can go online to register, join a fundraising team, and to build a personal fundraising page to raise money from supporters. Additionally, “Snore for ROAR” is an option for those individuals who can’t get out of bed early but want to make their voices heard and “ROAR” for autism research. For more information about ROAR for Autism, or to register, visit www.ROAR.kennedykrieger.org or call 443-923-7300.
 
All participants can register either solo or as a team. Rest stops and bike repair services will be available along the bike routes.