4th annual motorcycle event is raising money and awareness to prevent the number one killer of newborns – prematurity.

(Indianapolis, IN) – Over 300 motorcycles are expected at the 4th Annual March of Dimes RIDE-Bikers for Babies on Saturday, September 9th with the goal of raising money and awareness to fight the number one killer of infants – premature birth. 

March of Dimes volunteers will begin registering participants at 11am at The Shoppes in Seymour, just of I-65 in Seymour.  The cost is $35.00 per motorcycle and rider and $15.00 for a passenger and the RIDE starts at 12:00pm.  All interested riders can also pre-register and pay their registration fee per motorcycle online at http://www.marchofdimesride.org/ or they can call 1-800-737-9255.  Those who register their bike will receive a March of Dimes RIDE/Bikers for Babies T-shirt as a thank you for helping the March of Dimes save babies' lives. This event is open to club riders, new riders and anyone who cares about babies. The American Motorcycle Association sanctions all March of Dimes RIDE/Bikers for Babies events. All motorcycles welcome. 

"Premature birth takes the lives of babies every day. By riding in this event, you will support March of Dimes efforts to raise awareness of the problem and support research to save babies right here in Indiana and across the nation," says Tim Arndt, March of Dimes.  "Premature birth affects more than 1 in 8 babies in Indiana each year and the rates are on the rise.  It is the leading cause of death in the first month of life and a major reason why babies are born sick and suffer disabilities."

The RIDE route covers 80 miles from Seymour to Madison and back and includes some of the most beautiful scenery in Indiana.  Riders will enjoy free food and non-alcoholic beverages at a special gathering and dinner for all participants following the end of the RIDE.

Major Sponsors for the RIDE are Kawasaki, Comcast, Mann’s Harley Davidson, Wiese Motors, the Shoppes at Seymour, and Max and Erma’s Restaurants.

The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education, and advocacy to save babies and in 2003 launched a campaign to address the increasing rate of premature birth.  For more information, visit the March of Dimes Web site at marchofdimes.com/Indiana or its Spanish language Web site at nacersano.org.