ROAR For Autism Race Preview
8th Annual ROAR For Autism Race
Oregon Ridge State Park
13401 Beaver Dam Rd.
Cockeysville Md. 21030
(443) 690-2596
www.roar.kennedykrieger.org
Hours: Sunday, April 29 registration opens at 6 a.m.; festival opens at 10 a.m.
Price: $30 adults 13 and older/$15 children ages 5 to 12/free children 4 and younger
Free parking available on campus
Kennedy Krieger's 8th Annual ROAR For Autism Race works to break the silence and misconceptions surrounding autism. The day's events include cycling, a fundraising walk, a festival and distance participation through SNORE for ROAR. Expect to start early and stay late to take in a fun day in Cockeysville for the whole family.
Bike for Autism
With their bikes polished, roughly 500 riders are expected to participate in this year's 5-, 10-, 25- and 50-mile bike rides through scenic neighborhoods in Baltimore County. All rides begin and end at Oregon Ridge State Park. There is also a shorter ride for young children. All routes will feature manned rest stops, water breaks and bike repair services. Hats and sunscreen are recommended for skin protection, even if it is cloudy. Registration will open at 6 a.m.
Bike rides will depart as follows:
6:30 a.m. – the 50 mile riders begin
8:00 a.m. – the 25 mile riders depart
9:00 a.m. – the 10 mile riders start
9:30 a.m. – the 5 mile participants take off
9:45 a.m. – the youth ride starts
Walk for Autism
If walking is more your speed, the nature trails at Oregon Ridge will provide several options allowing you to participate in this year's ROAR for Autism hiking activities. Short trails include Iron Mine Gray Trail and the Lake Orange Trail. Other trails will include the Virginia Pine Green Trail, Logger Red Trail, Ridge Tan Trail and the James Campbell Trail, something for everyone's physical level. Last year's walkers numbered 363. The 2012 committee hopes to exceed 400 this year. All hiking trails open at 10 a.m.
Festival Festivities:
Throughout the park, participants will find fun in myriad activities that begin at 10 a.m. and are expected to end around 1 p.m. or after the last bike riders return to the finish line. Don't miss the free face painting, an animal balloon artist and the Wegmans snack area. Activities will include fun games and contests. The park also features children's playgrounds to get the kids' energy out.
SNORE for Autism
For those who choose not to get up and out that early on a Saturday morning, ROAR for Autism provides the opportunity to still participate through SNORE for ROAR. In 2011, this program featured 50 participants. In 2012, the committee expects to increase that number. Register your SNORE donation and a T-shirt will be mailed to you. Simply visit the ROAR for Autism website and click the Snore for ROAR link. Funds go toward pursuing research that wouldn't otherwise receive funding.
The 2011 ROAR for Autism raised $375,000 This year's goal is to reach more than $400,000. Event coordinators may be reached at (410) 916-2192 or (443) 690-2596.
Related: Best Tips for Special Needs Families in Baltimore
Where to Stay
Crowne Plaza
2004 Greenspring Dr.
Timonium Md. 21093
(410) 252-7373
www.cpbaltimore.com
Hours: check in – 3 p.m.; check out – noon
Prices: $102 per night senior discount available
The Crowne Plaza has approximately 250 rooms, 230 are non-smoking and 10 are fully handicapped accessible. Dine at a full-service restaurant in-house (B-L-D), and room service is available 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Free in-room Wi-Fi and analog Internet service are available in the Business Center. Take advantage of free parking and an exercise room.
Residence Inn
45 Schilling Rd.
Hunt Valley, Md. 21031
(410) 537-2333
www.residenceinnhuntvalley.com
Hours: check in 3 p.m.; check out noon
Prices: $149/night/additional packages available
Residence Inn provides 141 guest rooms, an indoor pool and whirlpool along with a physical fitness center. All entrance ways are handicap accessible and self-operating lifts are available for all pools. Two rooms have roll-in showers, other rooms are partially accessible with grab bars and widened doorways. This is a smoke-free hotel. Pets are allowed with a $75 non-refundable sanitation fee. Wired and wireless Internet available. No restaurant is available in-house, but all rooms are equipped with a kitchen with ample accessories.
Dining
Padonia Station
63 E Padonia Rd.
Timonium, Md. 21093
(410) 252-8181
www.padoniastation.com
Hours: daily – 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.; kitchen closes at 1 a.m.
Padonia Station's delicious traditional American cuisine and full bar service make it a local favorite. Plenty of free parking, live music is in-house every Saturday night and Guinness specials on NCAA game nights guarantee a great time.
Related: Family Guide to Most Exciting College Basketball in Baltimore
Nautilus Diner
2047 York Rd.
Timonium, Md. 21093
(410) 561-8826
thenautilusdiner.com/
Hours: 24/7
From surf and turf to apple-cinnamon raisin pancakes, Nautilus' menu is perfect for any family. Breakfast all day long, a solid drink menu and favorites from every country's cuisine keep this place hopping all night long.
Anna Renault is a life-long resident of Baltimore County. After a 31 year career, Renault has re-careered into the world of journalism. She writes a weekly column for The Avenue News, her local paper. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
