Project Pedal is ready to roll on June 18

School is almost out and summer is on its way, and that means it is time once again for Project Pedal. This multi-route bike ride offers beautiful early summer scenery, healthy exercise and an enjoyable experience to share with family and friends of all ages. Best of all, riders will be having fun while helping to raise funds to continue the mission of Village Project. Project Pedal begins at 9 a.m. and all rides are concluded by 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 18. All routes begin and end at Bay Middle School at 27725 Wolf Road.

There are five routes to choose from:

• Pea Pod Pedal (100 yards) is for two- and three-year-olds on trikes and big wheels. Registration fee: $10.
• Sprout Route (400 yards) is for children six years and under on two-wheelers, with or without training wheels. Registration fee: $15.
• Cucumber Course (6 miles) is for all ages. The route travels primarily side streets with a rest stop at Village Project headquarters. Parental supervision is suggested for young riders. Registration fee: $25.
• Kale Trail (15 miles) is for intermediate riders of all ages. The route travels through Bay Village. Rest stops will be at Village Project, Reese Park and Bradley Park. Sidewalks are available throughout the ride. Parental supervision is suggested for young riders. Registration fee: $30.
• Artichoke Adventure (35 miles) is for more experienced riders of all ages. The route travels through Bay Village, Avon Lake and Westlake. Rest stops will be at Village Project, Reese Park and Bradley Park in Bay Village. Much of the ride will take place on well-traveled roads such as Lake, Bradley, Walker and Hilliard. Registration fee: $40.

Register for Project Pedal at ourvillageproject.com/projectpedal or pick up an application at Village Project headquarters, 27378 W. Oviatt Road in Bay Village. Riders registered by June 10 will receive a free T-shirt. Those registering after June 10 will pay an extra $10 per registration and will not be guaranteed a T-shirt.

Join in some healthy competition and help support Village Project by raising funds in addition to the registration fee. Compete individually or as a team to raise the most for this worthy organization. Fundraising pages can be created when you register on the Village Project website.  

Need help creating a team page? Village Project volunteers will be on hand to assist with registration and to help develop fundraising pages at two upcoming special events taking place at local businesses. On Thursday, May 19, from 4-8 p.m., Talbots in Crocker Park will host a registration event. In addition, Talbots will donate 10 percent of their sales to Village Project during this event. On Monday, May 23, from 5-9 p.m., Buffalo Wild Wings in Avon Lake will be the site to get help with your registration and team page set-up. Buffalo Wild Wings will donate 20 percent of their sales (with coupon) that evening to Village Project. Coupons are available on the VP website.

Prizes will be awarded for the top team as well as for individual fundraisers. The top individual fundraiser will receive a Miller Lite Cruiser bike. The top team receives a dinner for up to 16 people at Village Project. The team with the most creative name earns the right to have a Village Project menu item named in its honor. 

Project Pedal is not just a bike ride, it’s a community event. Invite your family and friends to cheer you on as you cross the finish line at Bay Middle School, and then get a chance to enjoy live music, activities, food trucks and vendors. NEW this year: one lucky raffle winner will be awarded four club seats to a Cleveland Indians game. Raffle tickets are available at Village Project headquarters, at the registration events and on the day of Project Pedal. Tickets are $5 each, five for $20, and 25 for $100.