A late-summer bike ride to benefit Special Olympics returns to Orland Park on Aug. 27. The registration deadline is July 31.
Hosted by the Orland Park Police Department, the ride is not a race.
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“Each summer, people ask when the ride will be held because it’s an annual favorite,” said Orland Park police Chief Tim McCarthy. “It’s not a race. It’s leisurely paced and everyone remains together as a group.”
Riders are expected to wear helmets on the 14.4-mile course that connects to Tinley Creek Forest Preserve trails, and includes a water stop midway through, according to a village statement.
“The police department bike ride is a great event — it’s a beautiful ride through Orland Park and some of the forest preserves and it’s for a great cause,” said Orland Park village Trustee Dan Calandriello.
The ride begins at 7:30 a.m. at Gatto’s Restaurant and Bar, 8801 W. 143rd St., Orland Park. It ends in the same location with a complimentary breakfast buffet, soft drinks and coffee, according to the village statement. Other refreshments will also be available.
The event costs $25 per person, and is open to riders aged 12 and older. It is co-sponsored by Gatto’s, the Orland Park Law Enforcement Organization, Silver Lake Country Club and Orland Park Lion’s Club. All proceeds benefit the Special Olympics.
To register, download a form from http://www.orland-park.il.us/DocumentCenter/View/28114, or pick up registration forms in Orland Park at the Frederick T. Owens Village Hall, 14700 Ravinia Ave., or at the police station, 15100 S. Ravinia Ave. Completed forms must be turned in to the police department with payment using cash, check or credit card.
Those who register before the deadline are guaranteed a ride T-shirt. Check-in on the day of the event begins at 6:30 a.m. More information is available through email at [email protected].
Erin Gallagher is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.