The Wantagh State Parkway will be officially closed on Sunday, Oct. 12 for the Terra Chips Discover Long Island Bike Ride when a great visual of bicyclists will be taking over the highway. The New York State Police and the New York Department of Transportation will officially close the parkway to raise money for local parks with the Terra Chips Discover Long Island Bike Ride.

"Thanks to Terra Chips, the bike ride is now on for 2003," announced County Executive Tom Souzzi. "We are so happy to have received the necessary local support for this time honored event ... Let the riding begin."

Back after a two-year absence due to funding from Terra Chips - a local Melville company - the Discover Long Island rike encourages serious cyclists, those with training wheels and even multi-person bikes to join the fun. Participants are encouraged to bike at their own pace.

"On the heels of the news that some Americans spend three days stuck in traffic a year, it is welcoming to know we can take back the highway for one day," said Adam Levit, vice president of Terra Chips. "Terra Chips is thrilled to be presenting a day for families to ride together ... I like to think of it as the Tour de Long Island."

The thrilling bike ride on the Wantagh Parkway will begin at 8 a.m. at Cedar Creek Park in Seaford and will culminate at Jones Beach.

Sponsors of the event include Terra Chips, The Nassau County Sports Entertainment and Tourism Commission, The New York Department of Transportation, New York State Police, Bicycle Shows U.S., and Subaru.

For more details of the event, visit www.discoverlongisland.us.