See Detroit from your own two wheels and test your cycling limits in Wayne State University’s second annual Baroudeur. The event 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 for the event is $50 and 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. Participants can register online.
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.”
If you’re interested in cycling through Detroit, you’ll want to register soon. Places in the ride are limited, and organizers expect lots of interest in the event.
“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.”
Be sure to brush up on your traffic laws if you want to ride in the Baroudeur. All the courses are on the open road, so you will be riding with vehicular traffic and must obey traffic laws.
While the Baroudeur is a non-comptetitive event, the distance required for the event necesitates a certain level of fitness. With almost three months until the event, there’s plenty of time to get in shape. If you need some motivation, there are training rides for participants on Tuesdays a 6 p.m. leaving from Lot 15 at the corner of Cass and York.
The name Barouder was chosen in recognition of the hardworking, independent spirit of Wayne State students and alumni. Baroudeur means “fighter” or “warrior” in French, and it is a cycling term used for riders who aren’t afraid to break away from the peloton, even if they might be an underdog.