The Great Bike Ride, one of the Mid Atlantic's premiere events, will host hundreds of cyclists ranging from the novice to the competitive along its brand new Baltimore County course. Sponsored by The Women's Housing Coalition (WHC), The Great Bike Ride will be held on Saturday, June 25, 2005 at Oregon Ridge Park. Registration will be held between 7:00 - 9:00 am. Catering to the casual and the challenging rider, all new 13, 25 and 50-mile routes have been established this year. Expanding to include non-cyclists, yet outdoor enthusiasts will be a 5K-trail run through beautiful Oregon Ridge Park. Families can share the morning together as they search to find the answers on the 2-mile trail scavenger hunt. This delightful addition will offer a special family entry fee, kids' entertainment, and prizes for all.

Along with scenic routes through the rolling countryside, The Great Bike Ride will feature a sumptuous array of refreshments and beverages at the start, rest stops, and post-ride, run and hunt feast that will rival any local event. Safety provisions on the courses will include monitoring by mechanic-equipped sag wagons donated by many of the region's best bicycle shops, EMTs, and ham radio operators. Recyclable containers as well as recycling stations will be provided as The WHC does its part to help protect the environment.

Great Bike Ride participants will come away a full belly, collector T-shirt, a sense of accomplishment, and most of all, the satisfaction of having helped one of Baltimore's most deserving organizations, The Women's Housing Coalition.

Founded in 1979, The WHC is a grassroots, non-profit organization that has been at the forefront in the development of housing opportunities and services to low-income and homeless women with disabilities. The WHC has been dedicated to breaking the cycle of homelessness by increasing the quantity and quality of affordable housing and by fostering the economic and social independence of homeless and low income women and their families.

Post-Ride, Run, & Hunt Feast, Raffles, Entertainment, One-of-a- kind T-Shirts

Bike Ride Fee - $25 Pre- Registration Children $10 With A Registered Adult, Under 5 free. $30 Event Day, Children $15

5K Trail Run - $25 Pre- Registration, $30 Event Day

Family Trail Hunt Fee - $ 17 Adult, $8 P Per Child, Under 5 free

Registration for The Great Bike Ride will be available April 25, 2005 online at www.womenshousing.org target. Be sure to check out the link to our free professional one-on-one training and fitness advice for tips on how get ready for the ride. For more information, or to volunteer, please call 410-235-5782 or email.