Central Kansas Medical Center personnel will share information and sponsor a contest at the upcoming Big Bend Bike Rally. The day-long event is set for Saturday, Sept. 25, at the Great Bend Expo Complex. Gates open at 9 a.m.

CKMC is using the opportunity to raise awareness about osteoporosis, a disease that causes bones to become fragile and more likely to break. Osteoporosis information will be printed on free do-rags and CKMC representatives will offer free blood pressure checks.

"We want to take advantage of any opportunity that can shed light on osteoporosis," said Mark Mingenback, CKMC vice president of professional services. "The do-rags were such a hit last year when we were raising awareness about stroke symptoms and rehabilitation. We wanted to offer them again with the new message about osteoporosis."

Since the contest was also popular at the last bike rally, the hospital will sponsor it again, too. It involves a dynamometer, which demonstrates grip strength.

Winners in the men’s and women’s divisions will each win an ultra-flip camcorder.

The Great Bend Chamber of Commerce is organizing the Big Bend Bike Rally. The event drew more than 1,000 riders in 2008, its first year; it grew by more than 25 percent in its second year.

The slate of events includes motorcycle races and games, live entertainment, a car show, food court and vendors.