Hope Ride takes off from Hauser High School Saturday

Saturday is the 32nd annual Hope Ride and you will see more more than 1,000 bicyclists converging on northeastern Bartholomew County and heading into surrounding counties.

Organizer Paul Ashbrook explains the event:

There are six different routes available ranging from 13 to 100 miles. Proceeds from Hope Ride benefit the Hauser Dollars for Scholar program, Boy Scouts, church youth groups and local food banks.

There will be several new features this year, Ashbrook says, including the addition of two covered bridges near Moscow, and a street party at a rest stop in St. Paul.

Riders will also see that the traditional breakfast and lunch has been condensed to a single brunch meal on the Hope Town Square.

Ashbrook urged motorists in the area to take care, to be patient and to enjoy the spectacle of the bicycling event.

Online registration is until noon today at hoperide.org. You can register at Hauser High School tomorrow morning from 7:30 to 9 a.m..