Santa Clarita Velo, the 19 year-old cycling organization committed to promoting cycling in and around the Santa Clarita Valley, in partnership with the City of Santa Clarita, has announced that registration is open for the third annual Santa Clarita Century ride, scheduled for Saturday, 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.

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“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.”

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 graduates. Courses include:

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

All rides begin at the Westfield Valencia Town Center. 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.

Child & Family Center is the community mental health center focusing on children in the Santa Clarita Valley.  For more than 34 years CFC 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 & Family Center also has therapists on elementary, junior high and high school campuses throughout the Santa Clarita Valley.

For more information on Child and Family Center, visit www.childfamilycenter.org. For more information on the Santa Clarita Century, visit www.santaclaritacentury.com.