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Shawnee is looking to add to the funds it has raised for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation with the 21st annual Tour de Shawnee Bike Ride.

Tonya Lecuru, deputy director of Shawnee Parks and Recreation, said since funds raised through the annual cycling event began benefiting JDRF in it’s 12th year, the Tour de Shawnee has raised more than $28,000 for the foundation. And with about 600 riders expected in the event Sunday, that amount will only grow.

Lecuru said registrations for the ride have been going well, and already are ahead of least year’s ride, which had 588 cyclists.

Riders may still register for the event, but registrations must be hand delivered to the Shawnee Civic Centre, 13817 Johnson Dr., or filled out the day of the event. Registration forms are available at the Civic Centre and Shawnee Hy-Vee.

Riders can choose from a 12-mile or a 24-mile route, and motorists on the road should expect some delays as cyclists make their way through the city. The tour will start and end at Power Play Family Entertainment Center, Shawnee Mission Parkway and Pflumm Road.

Check-in begins at 7 a.m. and the ride will start at 8 a.m. Entry fee of $25 includes a T-shirt, breakfast, lunch, rest stop snacks and drinks, medical assistance, SAG vehicle support and mobile bike repair.

To mark the 10th year that the ride will benefit JDRF, Lecuru said there would be a larger display about what the foundation does so people can learn more about it and the funds it raises for children with diabetes.

Lecuru said the city still was looking for people who would be willing to volunteer along the routes by holding directional signs.

“Each of the intersections is secure with Shawnee Police, but then we try to put as many volunteers on the route as possible to let riders know where to turn, if they need to turn one way to stay on the 12-mile route but another way to take the 24-mile route,” she said. “It’s a great opportunity for kids needing hours for National Honor Society or service clubs.”

In addition to the Parks and Recreation Department and Shawnee Hy-Vee, the Santa Fe Cosmopolitan Club is sponsoring the event. The club will join the Shawnee German-American and Irish American clubs and Boy Scout Troop 93 as rest-stop sponsors.

For more information, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 631-5200.

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