The Santa Clarita Velo, a 19 year-old cycling organization committed to promoting cycling in and around the Santa Clarita Valley, has announced that registration is open for the third annual Santa Clarita Century ride, taking place on April 2. The only ride of its kind in Santa Clarita, the event invites cyclists of every level to pedal for a cause – with all proceeds benefiting Child and Family Center of Santa Clarita Valley, which provides mental health, behavioral and educational services to local children, adults and families.

“We are thrilled to be able to support Child and Family Center,” said Irene Johnson, President pro tem of Santa Clarita Velo. “Last year we raised over $18,000 with more than 500 participating cyclists, and we look forward to working with the community to make an even greater impact this year.”

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While a main 100-mile event challenges cyclists high into the mountains of Angeles National Forest, three shorter rides in the foothills, including the six-mile Family Ride, offer options for every cyclist, from avid roadies to recent training wheel alumni.

Courses include:

• Century, starting at 7:00 a.m. – 105 miles and approximately 7,000 feet of climbing
• Half-Century, starting at 8:00 a.m. – 58 miles and approximately 2,400 feet of climbing
• 25 Miles, starting at 8:30 a.m. – 25 miles and approximately 1,225 feet of climbing 
• Family Ride, starting at 10:00 a.m. – 6 miles and loops around local bike paths

All bike rides begin at the Westfield Valencia Town Center where cyclists and spectators can also enjoy a Bike Expo at the start/finish line featuring local shops, gear and equipment. Pre-registration is available now at www.santaclaritacentury.com and includes a water bottle, route slips for all rides, unmatched SAG (support and gear) services and mechanical support, and plenty of food and water stops along the way. Family Riders pay $10 per adult while children ride for free.

Santa Clarita’s community mental health center for more than 34 years, the Child and Family Center has been changing the lives of thousands in the SCV through its counseling, education and support programs. Many of the children and families served are in crisis and require extensive care and therapy. Others are simply provided education and guidance to address current challenges. Last year alone, more than 4,500 local children and adults received treatment for depression, anger, anxiety, abuse, thoughts of suicide, and drug and alcohol addictions, among other disorders. In addition to its four locations, Child and Family Center also has therapists on elementary, junior high and high school campuses throughout the Valley.

The City of Santa Clarita is helping to partner with the Santa Clarita Velo for the race which is just one of the many cycling-friendly events leading up to the Amgen Tour of California. In addition to the Santa Clarita Century ride, the City is supporting College of the Canyon’s Bikes n Bites event on May 14, where riders traverse an 8.5-mile cycling route that begins at College of the Canyon’s Canyon Country Campus and concludes with a food truck festival back at the starting point. The City will also be hosting viewing parties at local eateries where residents can watch other legs of the Tour and enjoy discounted menu items and giveaways. All this culminates with the City hosting the start of the final stage of the 2011 Amgen Tour of California on May 22.

The City of Santa Clarita encourages all residents to get involved and take advantages of these great upcoming events. For more information on the Santa Clarita Century ride, visit www.santaclaritacentury.com. For more information on Child & Family Center, visit www.childfamilycenter.org.