GARRISON (AP) - The Cycling Around North Dakota In Sakakawea Country trip, known as CANDISC, is drawing people as young as 8 and as old as 74, organizers say.

Volunteers working with the tour say about 425 people from more than 30 states and Canada have registered for this week's 400-mile bicycle tour.

Sunday's route was to cover 55 miles, from Fort Stevenson to Velva. The trip winds up in Garrison next Saturday.

Eight-year old Derek Kabanuk, of Burlington, said he is excited about riding along with his family on the trip for the first time.

"The hills are going to be the toughest part," he said.

Derek's father, Darren Kabanuk, said he is a 12-year veteran of the bike tour.

"I love meeting the people year to year," Darren Kabanuk said. "Even though everybody comes together from all walks of life, we share a common interest in bike riding."

Joan Patrick, of Ontario, said she has been riding in CANDISC since 1997.

"I am not much of a bike rider, but my sister talked me into the event," Patrick said. "It is very well-organized, the people are very friendly in all of the towns you visit, and it's neat to meet people from all over."

Hugh Chakler, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., said he was looking forward to the hills. He finds Florida flat by comparison, with too many mosquitoes for camping.

Eric Kashdin, also of Fort Lauderdale, is joining three buddies on the ride.

"I love seeing other parts of the country, and you usually meet nice people," Kashdin said. "In the Midwest, you get a small town America feel that you lose sight of when coming from a metropolitan area."