For the second year in a row, the bike race Tour de Tigre will start at the University of Memphis' main campus and end at the Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium before the football game this Saturday.
There were about 20 cyclists last year, said Suzanne Fenech, coordinator for Campus Recreation and Tour de Tigre participant.
Participants will meet by the Student Recreation Center at 1:30 p.m. and leave an hour later with campus police escorting them on their 2.7-mile trek. Riders in the Tour de Tigre will be able to get into the game for $5.
"The game is approximately three hours long, so we ride back at about 6:30 p.m.," Jacqueline De Fouw, a health educator, said.
After the game, cyclists can head back to the Recreation Center for games and refreshments. Riders must be registered by Friday evening and have a helmet, a working light on the front of the bike, a flasher on the back of the bike, working brakes and a bike lock.
"I think it is important to participate in events like this, because it encourages individuals to participate in something healthy, exposes them to a greener form of transportation and creates a community of participants involved in supporting the University of Memphis," Fenech said.
Participants do not have to be part of the U of M community, but they must sign a waiver release and register with De Fouw.
Students, faculty and staff without personal bikes can rent one from the Tiger Bike program on campus, located at 3699 Southern Ave.
Brennan Plunk, a freshman graphics design major rents his bicycle from Tiger Bike and encourages others to do so as well.
"They're awesome, because the rental fee is cheap, and I'm allowed to ride it anywhere on or off campus," Plunk said.
It costs $35 for a Tiger Bike membership fee, and students can keep the bikes for up to two weeks. After this fee is paid in the Bursar's Office, renters must take their ID and receipt to Tiger Bike to complete registration. However, potential renters should be warned about the waiting list for the Tiger Bike program.
During Tour de Tigre, riders will receive a T-shirt, gift bag and some items Tiger Bike is giving away.
During halftime, riding participants will be recognized on the field.
"Sign up for the Tour de Tigre - it's a great way to get involved with other student bikers," Plunk said.
Those interested can contact Jacqueline De Fouw via email at jdefouw@memphis.edu or phone 901-678-4745 prior to Friday in order to register or verify any questions.
