The March of Dimes Bikers for Babies Ride, one of the country's largest American Motorcycle Association-sanctioned events, gives motorcycle enthusiasts an opportunity to raise funds to help babies while doing something they love. Riders of all brands of motorcycles are invited to participate in this year's event, which includes a 70-mile ride from Cape Girardeau to Perryville and back.

The local ride will start at River Eagle Distributing offices, 2346 Rust Ave.

A pre-registration party will be held Aug. 16 at the Elks Lodge in Cape Gir-ardeau, starting at 5:30 p.m. Registration continues at 9:30 a.m. Aug. 17 at River Eagle Distributing. The ride begins at 11 a.m.

After the ride is completed, participants will return to River Eagle Distributing for food, fun and entertainment.

Food will be catered by Mac's Smokehouse, and entertainment will be by a local band, Cape Rock Drive, along with a live radio remote with KGMO, said Susan Davis, March of Dimes division director and coordinator of the 2002 Bikers for Babies local ride.

The public is invited to this event, said Davis. The day's activities include a bike show, live music and public awareness booths.

The March of Dimes and the Bikers for Babies are about helping babies who've been born prematurely and by supporting lifesaving research and innovative programs to find ways to prevent premature births.

This will be the fourth annual motorcycle ride. Last year's event raised nearly $20,000. Organizers this year hope to raise $24,000 to fight birth defects and infant mortality.

Participants in the ride raise money by collecting pledges. They also pay a registration fee, Davis said.

The event is one of the largest fund raisers for the March of Dimes in Southeast Missouri and attracts riders from Missouri and surrounding states.

Raffle tickets will also be available for a Harley-Davidson 2003 100th Anniversary Sportster 1200 custom motorcycle, sponsored by Doc's Harley-Davidson of St. Louis. Tickets will be available during the activities at Cape Girardeau or by calling the local March of Dimes office.

The Sportster will be awarded Oct. 13 during the Bikers for Babies run at St. Louis.

As many as 300 riders are expected for the event.

Major sponsors for the Bikers for Babies 2002 include River Eagle Distributing, Southeast Missouri Hospital, Mac's Smokehouse, Budweiser, Doc's Harley Davidson, KGMO, KBSI Fox 23 and WB 49.