The anticipation is almost over. After a year of preparation by Bluffton Lions Foundation volunteers, the July 16 Ride to Remember is on the horizon. This is the 8th annual event, which provides multiple scenic routes for bicyclists, from an 11-mile fun ride to the 111-mile Triplett Challenge, which awards personalized certificates.

The marked routes have rest areas 16-20 miles apart, with water, ice and snacks. GPS routes, registration and complete details are available at www.RidetoRemember.net

Route distances are:

• 11-mile Fun Loop
• 37-mile Ada Loop
• 63 mile Main Loop with cut-off options at 23, 46 and 56 miles

Start times for the ride at Bluffton Family Recreation Area, 215 Snider Rd.: 

• 7 a.m. for riders going 100+ miles
• 8 a.m. mass start for other riders

Riders can also start when they are ready, with check-in from 6:30-9:00 a.m. Support for routes including emergency pick-up will end at 4:00 p.m. The first 225 riders to check-in will receive swag bags packed with goodies from local businesses.

In the morning Greenhorn restaurant will bring a food trailer to the BFR, selling cold brew and breakfast sandwiches. At lunch time, the menu will be Chicago-style carrot dogs and non-alcoholic shrub beverages made with local fruit, and more.

Registration is available at www.ridetoremember.net, with an early bird discount available until end of day on July 15. A commemorative T-shirt will be offered for purchase during registration.

Organizers know that many riders wait to see the what the weather holds before registering. Saturday's forecast--as of July 13--is for the day to begin with a low of 64 degrees overnight, a high of 88 degrees, just a 12% chance of rain and winds of 7 mph.

Beyond the fun and challenge of riding, why ride? Proceeds will benefit the Bluffton Pathways Project.