Wayne State's 2017 Baroudeur Bike Ride to benefit the HIGH Program
Come join us for the 2017 Baroudeur Bike Ride! A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Wayne State University HIGH Program, which helps precariously housed or at-risk student homelessness. Sign up or donate here!
Event details
Join us on Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017. The Baroudeur is a fun, noncompetitive event that gives riders of all abilities an opportunity to explore the Motor City and surrounding area on two wheels while helping economically disadvantaged students pursue higher education.
Schedule of Events
100-mile start time: 7 a.m.
62-mile start time: 8:30 a.m.
20-mile start time: 10 a.m.
Pricing
Through June 18: $50
June 19 - July 18: $60
July 19 - August 15: $70
Registration will close at midnight on Aug. 15.
Safety
Safety is our top priority. Please remember The Baroudeur is an open road course, so cyclists will be riding with vehicular traffic and must obey traffic laws. All cyclists are required to wear a helmet. To help ensure your safety on ride day, there will be course marshals, directional signage, police patrols and sweepers on each route.
Parking
Complimentary parking is arranged in Parking Structure 5 Wayne State University's main campus. The parking structure is located at 5501 Anthony Wayne Drive bordered by the Lodge Service Drive and Kirby.
Packet pickup
Packet pickup (participant wristband, t-shirt, etc.) is Friday, Aug. 18 from 3 to 7 p.m. in the Matthaei Center parking lot. The gate to the parking lot will be open for pickups.
Ride day bike drop off and packet pickup
Packet pickup the day of the ride opens at 6 a.m. Bike drop off and packet pickup on the day of the ride are located across the street from Parking Structure 5 on Anthony Wayne Drive bordered by the Lodge Service Drive and Kirby across from Structure 2. Please give yourself plenty of time to drop off your bike, pickup your packet and get to the starting line. Complimentary, secure bike valet will be provided following the ride.
Start/Finish Line
The start/finish line is east of the registration area. Riders will begin along Gullen Mall, near the newly renovated Student Center Building and the Mort Harris Recreation and Fitness Center.
Hotel accommodations
Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center
Renaissance Center, 400 Renaissance Drive, Detroit
Phone: 313-568-8000
A block of discounted rooms has been reserved for Baroudeur riders. Reservations can be made online through Saturday, July 29.
What is The Baroudeur?
Baroudeur means fighter or warrior in French. It is a term used in cycling for riders not afraid to break away from the peloton and do things on their own, even if they might be an underdog.
In Paul Fournel's collection of cycling essays, Vélo, he describes baroudeurs as "adventurers, opportunists and chancers. They do not seek the love of their colleagues in the peloton, but strain at the leash, pushing against convention, experimenting and taking risks. They are generalists and polymaths, adept at multiple disciplines."
Many Wayne State students and alumni are baroudeurs at heart, and all are Warriors.
There also is a tie with Detroit, where much of the ride will occur. The city was founded by a baroudeur, French explorer and adventurer Antoine Laumet de La Mothe, sieur de Cadillac, on July 24, 1701.
Rider amenities
Post-ride lunch, beer and music
Refreshments along the route
Limited edition Baroudeur T-shirt
Support and Gear (SAG) vehicles
Free parking