After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the Baroudeur, Wayne State University’s cycling event, will return on Saturday, July 23. Registration opens on Feb. 23.
Proceeds directly benefit Wayne State University scholarships and the university’s Helping Individuals Go Higher (HIGH) Program, which supports students whose unstable housing situations threaten their dreams of earning a degree.
Participants can again choose between four courses – 20, 37, 62 or 100 miles – based on their individual experience and fitness levels. All Baroudeur courses are on the open road; cyclists will ride with vehicular traffic and must obey traffic laws.
“We cannot wait to reconnect with all of our riders, and we know many of our past participants are pumped up, too,” said WSU President M. Roy Wilson, who created the event and rides in the 100-miler. “This is the first time we’ve held the event in July, and what better way to celebrate Detroit’s birthday weekend than up close and personal on a bike?”
Riders are encouraged to register early and take advantage of early bird pricing:
Through 11:59 p.m. on May 23: $65
May 24 through 11:59 p.m. on June 23: $75
June 24 through 11:59 p.m. on July 19: $85
Registration will close Tuesday, July 19.
Registration includes:
- Post-ride lunch, beer and music
- Refreshments along the route
- Limited edition Baroudeur T-shirt
- Support and Gear vehicles
- EMS and police presence
- Free parking
The Baroudeur is a fun, noncompetitive event, but the distances require increasing levels of physical fitness. To help participants prepare, training rides will be held once again on Tuesday evenings at 6 p.m., beginning April 19, weather depending. Additional details about these free, no-drop training rides — and other ways to prepare for the Baroudeur — can be found here.
Volunteers are critical to the success of the event. Those who sign up to help will receive a T-shirt and free access to the post-ride lunch, beer and music.
To further support WSU students in need, a WarriorFunder page has been launched. Riders, as well as faculty, staff, alumni and other members of the campus community, can donate or raise money in support of student scholarships and the HIGH Program.
Schools, colleges and units across campus are encouraged to fundraise as teams; funds can be directly allocated to specific scholarships. To get started, please complete this form.
“Crowdfunding makes it possible to make a bigger impact,” said Matt Lockwood, ride director. “For some students, just a few hundred dollars can make the difference between staying in school and dropping out. Any amount can help fill the gap.”
To learn more or to register, visit baroudeur.wayne.edu.