Before you received your driver’s license, and before a trip around the globe was just a click away, it was probably a bicycle that made the world seem like a bigger, more interesting place to explore.
This summer, the Wayne State University community will come together with bike enthusiasts from across the city and state to recapture that spirit of exploration through its inaugural cycling event, The Baroudeur. Students, faculty, staff, and the public, can register today for the ride.
Inspired by President M. Roy Wilson’s passion for cycling and ensuring access to higher education, The Baroudeur will raise scholarship dollars for WSU students in financial need.
“As avid cyclists, my wife and I have gotten to know the city and state by participating in cycling events,” said Wilson. “Riding a bike through Detroit offers a fun, different perspective of the city that you just can’t get any other way. I’m looking forward to sharing that experience with Wayne State students and their families and friends.”
Baroudeur was chosen as the name of the event in honor of the hardworking, independent spirit of the WSU student body. Baroudeur means “fighter” or “warrior” in French, and is a cycling term used for riders not afraid to break away from the peloton and do things on their own — even if they might be an underdog.
The Baroudeur’s race director, Matt Lockwood, encourages cyclists of all experience levels to participate in the ride, which takes place on Aug. 22, 2015.
“We designed The Baroudeur course to highlight the unique beauty of Detroit and its surrounding communities,” said Lockwood. “We’re going to take riders to places like Belle Isle, Lakeshore Drive, Palmer Park and Grosse Ile before they cross the finish line, and we kick off the post-race party in the center of our Midtown campus.”
The Baroudeur is an urban century ride (100 miles), but riders can also choose distances of 20, 55 and 62 (metric century) miles. It is a fun, non-competitive event; however, training is advised. Students who are not interested in riding can still participate by becoming volunteers.
The $36 registration fee includes refreshments along the route, a limited edition T-shirt, ride support and free parking. All net proceeds will directly assist economically disadvantaged students at WSU.