By KARI BLURTON
Hays Post

Saturday’s 26th annual Rope ‘Em Ride is partnering with the Bike Hays Master Plan this year — something organizers of the annual cycling fundraiser say is a perfect fit.

“The Hays Area Children’s Center serves families in our community and  the Bike Hays Master Plan is designed for families, as well as people in the community who want to exercise and appreciate good health and we wanted to combine them all,” HACC community relations coordinator Kelly O’Brien Koerner said recently.

Whether the goal is 1 mile or 100 miles, there are routes to fit bikers of all ages and experience.

“The ride will start out in with Bike Hays routes and will stop by the limestone sculptures of local artist Pete Felten,” Koerner said. “After the routes in Hays are completed, the more experienced riders will continue on to routes in Catharine, Victoria and Munjor.”

The event raises money for service and programs for Hays Area Children’s Center such as infant/toddler early intervention services, developmental screenings, licensed child care and the Healthy Start Home Visitor program.

To register, contact Kelly O’Brien Koerner at (785) 625-8557, email [email protected] or visit the HACC website. Participants can register from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Friday or from 7:30 to 8:45 a.m. Saturday. The ride is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m.