Delaware's 26th Annual Amish Country Bike Tour -- One of the state's largest and most established cycling events -- will be Saturday, September 8, 2012, starting at 411 Legislative Avenue in historic Dover, Delaware. Last year, 1,400 cyclists from a 14-state region participated. Register online or register by mail now to save time and money. If you register early, you save $15, plus time it takes to register day of the event. Teams of 10 or more, when registering together, can save $20 per person.

Why do cyclists enjoy the Amish Country Bike Tour?

• You DO NOT have to raise funds and obtain pledges -- part of your registration fee is a contribution to five local organizations including the Central Delaware YMCA.

• You DO NOT cycle on miles of major highways. The Amish Country Bike Tour is completely on scenic back roads.

The bike tour, suited for all ages and abilities, includes 15, 25, 50, 62 and 100-mile loops through the flatlands of Delaware's Amish farmlands. Rest stops include the famous Amish Schoolhouse where members of the Amish community serve home-baked pies and cookies. Several additional food stops will be included, featuring healthy snacks, sandwiches and beverages. Following the tour, cyclists will be treated to a catered barbecue meal of pulled pork or chicken and all the trimmings, and vegetarian meals will also be provided.

Proceeds from this year's bike tour will benefit the Central Delaware YMCA, the Amish Schoolhouse education program, three local participating churches and the Bike Tour fund.

Registration fee, which includes bike tour map, giveaway items, up to four food and rest stops including the famous pie stop, after-tour catered picnic lunch, is:

• Now through August 26: $35/adults; $15 ages 5-16; under 5, free.

• August 26 - September 8: $50/adults; $20 ages 5-16; under 5, free.

• Club Rate: When 10 or more cyclists pre-register by August 27, cost is $30 per cyclist.

• Pedal Away Prostate Cancer Race: Register now for the race to be held on the morning of the bike tour, September 8, with check-in at Eden Hill Medical Center. Cyclists who wish to ride in the race and also the Amish Country Bike Tour may register for both at this website: www.BikeReg.com and in the search box, type "Pedal Away Prostate Cancer".

For those making a weekend of it, click on the lodging button above for great rates and convenient online booking. For more information, call 800-233-5368 or www.visitdover.com.