Ride the Sheriff Outta Town bike ride is Sept 6, starting and ending in Plymouth

The seventh annual Hancock County Sheriff's Auxiliary Bike Ride is Saturday, Sept. 6.

The event offers eight-, 24-, 68- and 80-mile distances. The 24-mile course can be ridden as a leisurely family fitness ride or as a competitive time trial ride. Prizes are given to the top timed riders in several categories.

The mass start for all riders is at 8 a.m. The course travels through hills and hollows on well-maintained blacktop and asphalt roads. Two SAG vehicles and four SAG stops support the ride. Refreshment drinks, snack bars and fruit are offered free at all SAG stops.

All proceeds from the ride go to the all-volunteer Sheriff's Auxiliary, as this group of men and women donate their time and money to help the Hancock County Sheriff's office.

Pre-registration is not required. Sign up is at the fire station (north side of square) in Plymouth at 7:30 a.m. The cost is $25 for an individual or $50 for a family. Shirts are available at $13 each.

The ride begins and ends at the Plymouth town square. All riders must sign a ride waiver, and riders under 18 must have a parent or guardian sign off on the waiver. All riders must wear helmets and obey traffic laws.

Camping is available at Weinberg-King State Park, seven miles from Plymouth. For more information on camping, call 217/392-2345.

For more information on the bike ride, call Maria Hopp, Chris Meeks or Sheriff John Jefferson at 217/357-2115.