The Ride with Y began in 2003 when Keith Handwerk and Dee Brown brainstormed the idea of an event that got cyclists out onto the Pine Creek Rail Trail.

Handwerk said the first-ever ride consisted of only four people, but has since grown.

This year’s event, to be held on Sunday, Sept. 24, already has 50 people registered with more expected to sign up the day of.

“The ride is as long as you want it to be,” Handwerk said.

LAURA JAMESON/THE EXPRESS Registration for the event will take place at the pavilion behind the YMCA.

According to Tyler Rae Laub, Wellness & Program Director at Y, there are four courses that bikers and walkers may choose from.

They include:

— Miniature: A roughly 2-mile trek from the JS Branch YMCA along the Pine Creek Trail to the Caboose and back. Participants in this course may leave at anytime after they register.

— Short: A 9-mile trek where riders will be taken to Ramsey and then travel along the trail to the Y. Transportation will depart at 12:30 p.m. from the Y.

— Average: A 13-mile trek where riders will be taken to Waterville and then travel along the trail back to the Y. Transportation will depart at 12:30 p.m. from the Y.

— Advanced: A 29-mile trek with riders being taken to Slate Run. They will then travel along the trail back to the Y. Transportation will depart at 12 p.m. from the Y.

Transportation for riders and their bicycles is provided by Fairfield Auto Group, Miele Industries and Chamber Management and Development Corp.

The cost to register for an individual is $20 or $15 for the miniature course and $35 for a family. Registration may be completed on the YMCA’s website, https://operations.daxko.com/Online/3010/ProgramsV2/Search.mvc?program_id=TMP1773&locations=S68 or by filling out a form available at the Jersey Shore YMCA, 826 Allegheny St., Jersey Shore.

Registration the day-of will take place from 10 a.m. to noon at the pavilion behind the YMCA. At 12 p.m. buses and trailers will begin to be loaded and riders transported to their drop off points.

A free lunch and gifts will be available between 2 and 5:30 p.m. at the YMCA.

The event’s title sponsor is UPMC with 24 other businesses and individuals involved.

Handwerk noted businesses in and around Jersey Shore and the Pine Creek Rail Trail have been extremely supportive of the event.

“The town has been very good to us. We have many that contribute gifts,” he said. “That town has been really receptive.”

Handwerk added that with Brown’s coordination, the Waterville Fire Company and multiple volunteers man cross walks along the trail to ensure the safety of its participants.

“Dee takes care of all of the crossings for the safety of the riders,” he said.

Laub noted this is a family-friendly event that raises funds for the YMCA’s annual campaign.

The campaign is a fundraising effort that increases support for the Y’s scholarship and assistance fund.

Proceeds from the event provide financial assistance for children and families who may benefit from programs at the Y that enhance youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.