On Saturday, September 6, 1997, bikers will converge in Delaware to participate in the 11th Annual Amish Country Tour, a 25, 50, or 100 mile bicycle course through country roads in Amish territory. The tour will feature flat, lightly traveled country roads and scenic rest stops. Each route will start and finish near the Visitors Center at the Federal Street Legislative Mall in Dover, Delaware. Bikers can choose between a 25, 50, or 100 mile course, and a post-ride Pig Roast (from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.) will reward bikers when they cross the finish line.

The well-marked course will be continuously patrolled by sag wagons equipped to handle physical and mechanical problems. Registration includes a map of the marked route; a watter bottle to the first 500 registered riders; the post-ride Pig Roast; therapeutic massage following the race; live music from local bands such as CR ShowTime Choir, Hy Tyde, Shallow Rain, Azure Drake, Latex Red, and Dreamscape; and use of pool and shower facilities at the local YMCA.

Fees prior to September 1 are $18 per person, $12 per child under 16, or $36 per family of one or two adults and any children under 16. After September 1, rates rise to $25 per person or $15 for children under 16. The ride will be limited to the first 2,000 registrants.

For more information on the event, call (302) 697-6400. The Sheraton Dover is offering discounted rooms for those requiring accomodations; Water Street Sports (302-674-5508) is offering bike rentals for $15 per day, delivered to the ride start. T-Shirts, available by pre-order only, are an additional $15 per person. Proceeds from the ride will benefit the Delaware Helmet Program, which provides bicycle helmets and educational materials throughout schools in Delaware.