RINTek brings cyclists to region

By News Team
ads@fillmorecountyjournal.com

Fri, Jun 4th, 2010
Posted in Health & Wellness

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The Rushford Institute of Nanotechnology is hosting the first-ever bicycle ride on June 12, with the above map of routes ranging from 25 to 50 miles. Graphic provided by Kirsten Zoellner

Rushford Institute of Nanotechnology (RINTek) is hosting an exhilarating new bike tour, Saturday, June 12th, in Rushford. In this inaugural year, organizers expect to have an estimated 50-100 registered participants in the event, designed for bicyclists of all levels. Dubbed "the ultimate bicycling experience in scenic bluff country," the trek features five routes:

• Vinegar Hill Vendetta, the most challenging route, is 50 miles of beautiful, country road riding.

• WWW Loop, another 50-mile distance, is similar to the Vendetta with the exception of a final Root River State Trail stretch.

• Ridge Runner is a 25-mile combination of winding country roads and "top-of-the-world" ridge riding.

• Scenic Byway Ramble, least challenging of the distance tours, will take riders along scenic Highway 16 with a return trip on the Root River State Trail.

• Pleasure Tour allows participants to plan their own tour on the Root River Trail, east or west of Rushford, however they desire.

Participants can register right up to the day of the event. Registration includes two meal vouchers, refreshments along routes (with the exception of the Pleasure Tour), Sag Wagon availability for the 25 and 50 mile routes, and admittance to the state-of-the-art bike exhibition and nanotechnology demonstrations.

Vendors at the demonstrations include regional bike vendors, showcasing applications in the bicycle and sporting goods industry, including a sample of a bike manufactured with nanotechnology-based carbon fiber frame; Rushford Hypersonic, manufacturers of the ultra high-performance HPPD drill bit; Rushford NanoElectrical Chemistry Company, manufacturers of economical, custom-designed nano structures used in biomedicine; a demonstration by Young Robotics; and Rushford-Peterson Schools featuring the district's high-school level nanotechnology curriculum. Host RINTek will share information about educating and facilitating nanotechnology in the rural areas. Event co-sponsor, Minnesota State College - Southeast Technical, will also be on hand to provide information regarding their introductory Nanoscience education, which is available through a National Science Foundation grant.

The cost of the event is $28 per adult and $18 per child ages 5-12. Children under age 5 are free. A parental supervision or signed waiver is required for children under age 18. Check-in and departure will be from R-P High School Gymnasium, 102 N Mill Street.

While the event has a flexible schedule, breakfast will be served from 7:30-9:00 am and lunch from 12:30-2:00 pm. The sag wagon will be available on distance routes until 2:00 pm. The exhibition and demonstrations will run from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm.

Participants must obey all traffic regulations and are required to wear a properly fitted and certified helmet. The registration fee and rights to participate in the event will be forfeited if riders do not wear a helmet. The event will be held rain or shine.

For up-to-the-minute information, registration materials, and route maps, please contact Val Gaddis at (507) 864-1113 or visit www.rintek.org.

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