Asheboro, NC - Operation Red Sleigh, Inc. announces its 9th annual charity cycling event, The "Sleigh Ride," on Saturday, July 17, 2010.

This event is hailed the safest cycling event in North Carolina, with the assistance of North Carolina State Troopers, local law enforcement, fire departments, emergency services and a multitude of volunteers. Intersections are swept to remove debris that may be a hazard for the riders. Area bike shops are on hand to assist the rider, if needed. A rider would only need to stop if they wanted to at one of the rest stops along the route.

The "Sleigh Ride" has been the organization's primary fund raiser. The event will be held at Seagrove Elementary School in Seagrove, NC and expects over 300 cyclists from across the state. Riders have a choice of three challenging routes: 25 mile, 50 mile and 75 mile. Cash prizes and awards are presented in select categories and door prizes will be given away. Participants will receive a T-shirt and a BBQ chicken lunch. Registration opens at 6:45 a.m. on the day of the event. Staggered start will begin at 8 a.m. Chip timing is also provided.

Registration Fee $35 (under 12 Free if riding with an adult on the 20/50/75 mile routes). There is an early registration special before June 1st for a $30 fee. For team pre-registration by June 1st, five or more riders will participate for a fee of $25 each. Teams will need to send registrations together in one envelope, if mailing. Registration can also be completed on-line at www.OperationRedSleigh.com.

Children ages two to five and six to 10 will be able to take part in their own "Mini-K" (.62 miles) event. The "Mini-K" centers around a bike safety course and a fun way for the kids to participate in the event. The child would need to have an adult guardian nearby, wear a bike helmet and bring their bike. MINI K registration fee is $10 per participant unless there is an adult participating in the Sleigh Ride. If so, one child can participate for free with the registered adult and each additional child from the family would only be $5. It's a great way to get the whole family involved. The MINI K sign in begins at 8 a.m. and the event begins at 9 a.m. Participants receive a medal at completion. When they complete their route they will have activities available. Lunch will be provided to participants for free and available to their family members for donation.

Operation Red Sleigh is a non-profit organization that began in 2000. Local law enforcement, including NC Highway Patrol, started the organization to assist families in Randolph County who were in need. Our organization is given names of children in need by both school systems' counselors/social workers. We then help Santa shop for those children in Randolph County who would not have a Christmas without the support of so many people in Randolph County. We raise money throughout the year and provide a hot meal for the children and their family on the day the presents are distributed. For additional information www.operationredsleigh.com.

If you are looking for advertising avenues for your business, event sponsorships are available. For more details see our website or email us at info@operationredsleigh.com. Your sponsorship would assist in furnishing the gifts at Christmas.

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