Saturday May 17, 2008 Valparaiso, Nebraska

Join us once again for a fun and enjoyable bike ride through the Oak Creek Valley starting in Valparaiso, Nebraska. Valparaiso is located approximately 18 miles north of Lincoln on Highway 79. The routes include Nebraska highways, a paved county road, or stretches of natural prairie, oak woodlands and highland vistas on the Oak Creek Trail. Choose from distances of 24, 31, 39, 44, 46 and 70 miles with several rest stops along the way.

This ride is a fundraiser benefiting Elliott Elementary School, the Great Plains Trails Network, and other University Sertoma sponsorships. All ages are welcome; however, those under age 18 must ride with a parent or guardian.

Registration

Registration is from 7:30 - 8:00 a.m. the day of the ride at the Trailhead at the North Oak Bridge in Valparaiso, (about two blocks west from Highway 79). Everyone must check-in to make sure you are properly registered. Public restrooms are available near the Trailhead at the North Oak Bridge in Valparaiso. They are also available in Brainard and Dwight. Water will be available at the start. Parking is available nearby.

You can pre-register by picking up registration forms at most local bike shops and fitness centers in Lincoln, Omaha, and other area bike shops or online at www.sertoma.net/bikeride.pdf.

Start Time

The ride begins Saturday morning, May 17, 2008 at 8:00 a.m. at the trailhead at the North Oak Bridge.

Entry Fee

Pre-registration - $20.00 - Single Rider / $35.00 - Family

Entries must be postmarked by May 10. Entry fee must accompany Entry Form. All riders (or a guardian) must sign the liability waiver before the ride. Children age 12 and under, ride free and MUST be accompanied by an adult.

After May 10 - and Day of Ride - $25.00 - Single Rider / $45.00 - Family

Please fill out one entry form per person!

No Refunds. No Rain Dates.

SAG Support

We will have SAG support (rest stops) available every 8-10 miles on the highways and one rest stop at the end of the Oak Creek Trail with fruit, water and snacks. There will be two roving SAG vehicles. Each SAG vehicle will have water, fruit, snacks and bike supplies. They will also be in touch with the registration site in case of emergencies.

There will be no 'official' SAG stop on County Road 'S', but you're welcome to stop in at Husker Bar II in Brainard, Cy's Cafe or Tom Tom's Bar in Dwight. They will be happy to fill your water bottles for you.

There will be NO SAG support after 2:00 p.m.

Safety

Helmets and protective clothing are required for all riders. Weather conditions can vary greatly so plan accordingly. Be sure to drink plenty of water prior to and during this event. Roads are open to traffic, so please obey all traffic and safety rules. All riders must sign the liability waiver that is on the registration form. Riders under 18 years old must have a parent or guardian sign their waiver before the ride.

Distances

All routes start and stop in Valparaiso. Choose from distances of approximately 24, 31, 39, 44, 46 and 70 miles and decide how far you want to ride. Bike at your own pace as this is not a race. Either road bikes or mountain bikes are suitable for the surface of the Oak Creek Trail. Suggested routes with approximate distances:

24 Miles - Oak Creek Trail Only
31 Miles - Oak Creek Trail & County Road 'S'
39 Miles - Highways & County Road 'S'
44 Miles - Oak Creek Trail and highways
46 Miles - All highways
70 Miles - All highways

Detailed Map

You can download a detailed map of the routes at www.sertoma.net/bikemap.pdf.

How to Get to Valparaiso

Detour

Coming from Lincoln, Hwy 79 will be closed from Hwy 34 north to Raymond Road. From 14th and Superior Streets, go north to Raymond Rd (6 miles). Take Raymond Road west to Hwy 79 (5 miles). Take Hwy 79 north to Valparaiso. Follow detour signs. Bicyclists are not allowed on the detour. The bike routes for the Oak Creek Valley Bike Ride are NOT affected.

Registration area is at the trailhead at the North Oak Bridge in Valparaiso, about two blocks west of Highway 79.

Further Information

After the Ride

Enjoy a burger and beverage at one of the bars in Valparaiso with other cyclists.

Past Oak Creek Valley Bike Rides

Thank you for your participation and growing support of this bike ride. The proceeds from the rides have gone to support many worthwhile causes.

In 2007 - 92 riders joined us with proceeds helping to fund the Children's BackPack Program from the Lincoln Food Bank, and the Jamaica North Trail in southwest Lincoln.

In 2006 - we had 116 riders with proceeds helping to fund scholarships so kids with hearing disabilities could attend Camp Sertoma, and also the Sertoma Hearing Aid Bank, and the Lincoln Food Bank, specifically the Children's BackPack Program.

In 2005 - there were 135 riders with proceeds going to Lincoln area bike trails, and to the Sertoma Hearing Aid Bank.

In 2004 - we had 81 riders with the proceeds going to camp scholarships so kids with hearing disabilities could go to Camp Sertoma.

In 2003 - 90 riders participated with the proceeds going to Elliott Elementary School and other University Sertoma sponsorships.

In 2002 - there were 71 riders with the proceeds going to the Oak Creek Trail for the completion of the connection into Brainard.

In 2001 - we had 69 riders with the proceeds going to the Salvation Army and to Lincoln area trails.

In 2000, our inaugural year, 66 riders braved some strong headwinds to join us with proceeds going to various University Sertoma sponsorships.

About University Sertoma

The University Sertoma Club of Lincoln is one of nine volunteer Sertoma Clubs in Lincoln. Sertoma is an international organization that exists for the purpose of SERvice TO MAnkind. One of Sertoma's main focuses is better speech and hearing.

University Sertoma sponsors activities that are often youth-centered and include a wide variety of projects to better our community through financial support as well as direct involvement. Some of the activities and sponsorships our club has been involved with include Elliott Elementary School, scholarship for UNL audiology majors, bell ringing for the Salvation Army, Lincoln Paint-a-Thon, Great Plains Trails Network, Lincoln Action Program Holiday Gift Giving, Relay for Life, Safe Quarters for Friendship Home, and the Food Bank of Lincoln, to name a few.

For more information on Sertoma, please contact Kathy Anderson, Membership Chair at 402-421-1555.

Links

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