Contact: Jocelyn Dettloff
(616)949-1100 ext. 237
jocelyn.d@dakc.us
August 7, 2007

GREAT LAKES INDEPENDENCE RIDE WILL BEGIN IN WEST MICHIGAN

(Grand Rapids, Holland)—Michigan’s first all inclusive long distance cycling event will begin in Holland, pass through Grand Rapids, and wind it’s way to Ann Arbor,. The Great Lakes Independence Ride (IRide) is a four day event that will include bicyclists and hand cyclists of all abilities. Riders will start out at the Park Township fire station in Holland on Thursday August 16, and finish the day in Grand Rapids at the Baymont Hotel at 84th St. and US 131. The group will then travel to Lansing, Howell, and finish in Ann Arbor on Sunday August 19.

The IRide is sponsored by Ford Mobility Motoring, and organized by Disability Network Michigan and other network members, including Disability Advocates of Kent County, and Disability Network Lakeshore in Holland. Riders will have the option to participate for one mile, one day or all four days of the event. For full details and registration information visit:http://www.independenceride.org

Glen Ashlock, a wheelchair athlete and one of I-Ride’s organizers, has traveled around the country participating in hand cycle events. This will be the first one he’s seen that brings together people of all abilities. “The goals are to bring awareness to the network, remove barriers that may keep people with disabilities from participating in these kinds of events, and of course have fun while being healthy,” said Ashlock.

Disability Advocates of Kent County is a non profit disability rights organization whose mission is “To advocate, assist, educate and inform on independent living options for persons with disabilities and to create a barrier-free society for all.”

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