The Zoological Society of Milwaukee is recruiting corporate teams for its annual Ride on the Wild Side bike ride, scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 15.
The family-friendly, company-friendly event draws nearly 800 cyclists each year for bike rides through and around the Milwaukee County Zoo. Event proceeds benefit the Zoological Society’s mission to support the Milwaukee County Zoo, promote wildlife conservation efforts, and educate the public on the zoo and its animals.
Ride on the Wild Side participants can choose from three ride routes – a 2.5-mile route through zoo grounds, a 17-mile route through zoo grounds and on the Oak Leaf Trail, or a 27-mile route also through the zoo and on the Oak Leaf Trail.
The Zoological Society’s special events department hopes to secure 15 company teams for this year’s fundraiser.
“It’s a great way to promote fitness within a company…and get employees to bond outside of the workplace,” said Laura Knollenberg, special events manager for the Zoological Society.
All companies are eligible to participate in the ride. Advanced registration fees for adult riders are $35 for Zoological Society members and $40 for non-members. Day-of registration costs $45 for adult riders. Advanced registration for children (age 13 and under) costs $12 for Zoological Society members and $15 for non-members. Day-of registration costs $20.
Ride fees include admission to the zoo, parking, a t-shirt, a complimentary breakfast and lunch, and the bike ride.
Company teams have the additional option of including their logo on their ride t-shirts for an extra fee, which varies depending on the number of riders in their group.
The event will begin with check-in, registration and breakfast at 7 a.m. and rides taking off from the zoo at 8 a.m. The zoo is located at 10001 W. Bluemound Rd. in Milwaukee.
The Zoological Society is also still in need of event volunteers to direct riders along each route, and the nonprofit organization is looking for more in-kind food donations to supply breakfast and lunch.
To register for Ride on the Wild Side, visit www.zoosociety.org. Interested riders or donors with questions should contact Knollenberg at 414-258-2333 ext. 215 or at laurak@zoosociety.org.
