Ride to Unite - Celebrate cycling for everyone - for cyclists of all abilities

For Immediate Release

Delta Gamma Center for Children with Visual Impairments

Contact: Stacey Hutchens

HYPERLINK "mailto:shutchens@dgckids.org"shutchens@dgckids.org

(314)776-1300 ext. 108

(314)776-7808 (fax)

HYPERLINK "http://www.dgckids.org"www.dgckids.org

Ride to Unite – Celebrate cycling for everyone

for cyclists of all abilities

JULY 30, 2013 – This Labor Day Weekend, join your fellow cyclists at the Ride to Unite to increase public awareness of the value of cycling for all members of our community – with and without disabilities.  The Ride to Unite will take place on Saturday, August 31, 2012 at 10:00 AM at Francis Park in south St. Louis.   This is a FREE event.

The Delta Gamma Center for Children with Visual Impairments and Recreation Council of Greater St. Louis join forces again to host the Ride to Unite. Both organizations work to foster positive perceptions of the potential of individuals with disabilities and, through direct service, provide the freedom and independence created by cycling and other recreational opportunities.  

The day’s events include something for everyone!  The Ride to Unite kicks off Day 2 of the Gateway Cup Races with a charity Demonstration Ride on the closed race course just prior to the start of the races.  The Demonstration Ride (age 15 and up) will include four laps (approx 5 miles) around Francis Park on the closed race course. The cyclists will be welcomed by Mayor Francis Slay.  Several celebrities will lead the ride, including St. Louis Blues player Barret Jackman, papralympic champion hand cyclist Kerrie Morgan, and cyclists who will be competing in the Gateway Cup races.

Following this ride, a Children’s Friendly Competition will give children (ages 7 to 14), who have adapted cycles an opportunity for a fun friendly race.   Before, during, and after the cycling events, cyclists and spectators can enjoy a delicious pancake breakfast – provided by Chris’ Pancakes ($5.00 for breakfast).  

Event entry is FREE – but participants must register online or at the event. Registration and check-in opens at 9:00 a.m. and will be located in front of Nottingham School (4915 Donovan Ave, St. Louis, NO 63109).  Parking, check-in, and the Pancake Breakfast will take place at the Nottingham School location.  All types of cycles are welcome, including tandems and adapted bicycles. More information and registration can be found at HYPERLINK "http://www.dgckids.org/unite"www.dgckids.org/unite.

About the Organizations

The Delta Gamma Center for Children with Visual Impairments helps children who are blind or visually impaired reach their full potential through individualized education and therapy services and through support services. 

Recreation Council of Greater St. Louis promotes and supports quality recreation and leisure services for individuals with disabilities residing in the Greater St. Louis area.

About The Gateway Cup.   

The Gateway Cup takes place in the heart of four unique St. Louis neighborhoods and features five or six successive races each day based on ability, ranging from beginner to pros.  Each day is highlighted by the feature event, the men’s Pro-Am race where the nation’s top cyclists will reach speeds averaging 30 miles per hour.    This Americanized style of racing appeals to both athletes and spectators alike as the peloton, or pack of cyclists, pass by every few minutes at impressive speeds holding lines only inches apart from one another. 

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