The 29th annual Hope Ride bicycle event kicks off Saturday morning at Hauser High School.
Organizer Paul Ashbrook said he is expecting more than 1,200 riders. He said the ride is a chance to show off the scenery in south-central Indiana. Most of the ride is in Bartholomew County, but it also goes into Shelby, Decatur and even Rush County for some of the longer routes.
“The riders will get to ride over the restored Moscow Bridge in Rush County and another covered bridge in Rush County at Gowdy on the Flat Rock River,” Ashbrook said.
He said riders come from seven states to enjoy the ride.
“Riders enjoy our low traffic,” he said. “There’s no stop lights, there are no multi-lane roads. It is just a leisurely ride and riders come out and enjoy this beautiful south-Central Indiana countryside this time of the year. It is very impressive for folks visiting.”
He said every year the routes change. And people seem to enjoy hearing bands playing along the route including rock and folk music.
One of the key aspects of the Hope Ride is how it contributes to community charities. There is a largest team competition with the winners earning money for local food banks. And various charities also help out to earn money. Breakfast will benefit the Hope Volunteer Fire Department and it starts at 7 a.m. at Hauser. The lunch on the Hope Town Square is provided by and benefits the Hauser Dollars for Scholars scholarship fund.
Registration starts at 7:30 a.m.