Big event in Princeton for bicycle enthusiasts

     Area bike enthusiasts are getting ready for the inaugural Z-Tour Bike Ride is being held Saturday morning in Princeton.  Money raised from the event goes to the Zearing Child Enrichment Center.  Steering committee co-chair Tom Tester, who expects this to be an annual event, says between 200 and 350 riders from all over the state will take part this year.  Registration is from 7 to 10 at Zearing Park.  After riders register, they choose one of five different routes.  There's a 10-mile ride, a 25-mile route north of Princeton, a 25-mile "hilly" ride south of town, a 50-mile route, and for the more experienced riders, a 62-mile "Metric Century" that includes stops in Tiskilwa and Wyanet.  No matter which route you choose, the ride starts and ends at Zearing Park, where all riders get to enjoy a meal when finished biking.  As for the youngsters, they can take part in Z-Kids, which offers safety demonstrations and bicycle decorating.  Safety is being stressed, as pre-ride bike equipment checks will be offered, rest stops featuring hydration and nutrition will be set up along all routes, and all riders are required to wear helmets.  Also, motorists are being asked to use caution when driving Saturday in and around the Princeton area.  Princeton Police will be directing traffic at several locations along the bike routes.  Listen for on-location broadcasts from the Z-Tour registration at Zearing Park Saturday morning on Classic Hits, Z-98.