GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Registration is open for the 2009 Amway One by One Kids Race, part of the 3rd annual Meijer Grand Cycling Classic on Sat., August 8 in downtown Grand Rapids. Parents may register children 9 years old and under at www.GRCyclingClassic.com. Registration is free.

Helmets are required to participate. Free helmets are available to the first 150 registrants courtesy of the Grand Rapids Griffins’ “Put A Lid On It” program and Safe Kids Greater Grand Rapids.

“The kids race has become a community favorite,” said race director Rob Laybourn. “Last year, 250 kids hit the bricks with everything from training wheels to BMX bikes. It’s a lot of fun for families to come down, have lunch, participate with their kids, and catch some of the exciting pro-am events.”

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 www.GRCyclingClassic.com. Parents are encouraged to register online in advance. On-site registration and check-in runs 12:00 noon – 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.

Bicycle racks, provided courtesy of CycleSafe, will be available for spectators and families who ride bikes down to the event. Racks will be located in City of Grand Rapids Parking Area 2 off of Oakes directly behind the Van Andel Arena.

Other Meijer Grand Cycling Classic sponsors include BISSELL®, which also sponsors the BISSELL® Pro Cycling Team, Herman Miller, Advantage Benefits, Amway Hotel Corporation, the West Michigan Sports Commission and The B.O.B.

For more information on the Amway One by One Kids Race and the Meijer Grand Cycling Classic, please visit www.GRCyclingClassic.com. For information on Meijer Grand Cycling Classic volunteer opportunities, please contact WMSC events manager Eric Engelbarts at (616) 233-3563 or visit www.westmichigansportscommission.com.