GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - This Saturday, Aug. 8, kids can receive a free bike helmet from the Grand Rapids Griffins and race their bikes over the cobblestones through the streets of downtown Grand Rapids!

Registration remains open for the 2009 Amway One by One Kids Race, part of the 3rd annual Meijer Grand Cycling Classic. Parents may register children 9 years old and under at GRCyclingClassic.com. Registration is free.

Helmets are required to participate, and the first 150 registrants will receive a free helmet courtesy of the Griffins’ “Put A Lid On It” program and Safe Kids Greater Grand Rapids.

In addition, every kid who participates will receive a special prize from the Griffins: a voucher good for two free tickets to any Sunday home game during the upcoming 2009-10 season!

The Amway One by One Kids Race starts at approximately 3:45 p.m., immediately preceding the Meijer Grand Cycling Classic Men’s Elite race. It follows the same course as the pro-am events. Four Kids Race heats match riders’ ages and abilities:

• Heat 1 (one lap, ages 7-9)
• Heat 2 (one lap, ages 6-7)
• Heat 3 (one lap, ages 4-6)
• Heat 4 (100 yards, ages 4 and under)

The course map and registration information is available at GRCyclingClassic.com. Parents are encouraged to register online in advance. On-site registration and check-in runs noon until 3:30 p.m. and is located at the corner of Ionia and Weston, near the start/finish line. All registration materials will also be available on site on race day.