Cyclists who are ready for a real challenge will find it in the October, 2008, 495-mile Tour du Rouge. Cyclists will leave Houston on Saturday morning, October 18th and arrive in New Orleans Thursday afternoon, October 23rd. The Tour du Rouge will be a fully supported ride, with SAG Vehicles, mechanical assistance and First Aid provided. Cyclists will ride an average of 82 miles per day with overnights in Beaumont, TX; Creole, LA; Lafayette, LA; Morgan City, LA and Gonzales, LA.

There will be rest stops every 20-25 miles. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks will be provided. Cyclists will spend most nights in a hotel, though one night will be spent in a Red Cross Shelter. At each night's dinner, there will be entertainment and information reflecting unique cultural, enviromental or educational highlights of that particular Gulf Coast community. Cyclists will have the opportunity to meet residents and learn about the communities they are directly benefiting by participating in the ride.

American Red Cross Chapters participating in and benefiting from the Tour du Rouge are: Houston, Beaumount, Orange, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans.

Cyclists are required to raise money to cover their expenses.To register or learn more about the Tour du Rouge, visit www.tourdurouge.org.