Wayne State University announced today that it will once again host its urban cycling event, The Baroudeur, to raise scholarship dollars for students in financial need. The second annual Baroudeur will take place on Wayne State’s Midtown campus on Aug. 20, 2016. This year, participants can choose to ride 25, 62 or 100 miles through Detroit. Registration is now open.
The Baroudeur was inspired by WSU President M. Roy Wilson's passion for cycling and his commitment to providing all qualified students access to higher education.
“Last year’s inaugural Baroudeur was a special event for the Wayne State community,” said Wilson. “More than 1,000 riders explored Detroit and the surrounding area up close and on two wheels, then enjoyed a post-ride party with food, beer and music on our beautiful campus.”
“We reached capacity for the ride last year, so if you want to join us, I encourage you to register sooner rather than later,” said Matt Lockwood, ride director and WSU’s director of communications. “We’re capping the number of riders at 2,000, and I’m confident we will hit that number.”
All Baroudeur courses are on the open road, so cyclists will ride with vehicular traffic and must obey traffic laws.
The Baroudeur is a fun, noncompetitive event, but the distances require increasing levels of physical fitness. With almost three months until the event, there’s plenty of time to get in shape. To help participants, training rides are being held on Tuesdays at 6 p.m., taking off from Lot 15 at the corner of Cass and York.
The name Baroudeur was chosen in recognition of the hardworking, independent spirit of Wayne State students and alumni. 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 $50 registration fee for The Baroudeur includes refreshments along the route, lunch after the ride, two tickets for Michigan craft beers, a limited edition T-shirt, ride support and free parking. All net proceeds will directly assist economically disadvantaged students at Wayne State.
Learn more and register today. Visit baroudeur.wayne.edu for more information.