BETHEL - Hat City Cyclists is inviting the public to join them on Sunday, June 12, for the 24th Annual CycleFest, a self-paced charity ride starting from Bethel Middle School, 200 Whittlesey Avenue in Bethel.Local Roads Affectedhatcitycyclists.org.

Riders have their choice of routes of 14, 23, 54, 80 and 105 miles that are fully supported with rest stops and SAG (support and gear) wagons.

Registration will open at 7, and start times will be staggered.

CycleFest Chairman Roger Snow says the annual fundraiser is "a great event for all types of riders.

"In addition to amazing route options that explore some of the most scenic country roads in western Connecticut, this event also has great food and great bicycle support," Mr Snow pointed out. "Thanks to Bike Express of Danbury and the Bicycle Center of Brookfield, CycleFest provides free bicycle repair at the rest stops for the longer rides."

Registration is $50 per rider, and can be done in advance or on the morning of the ride; on June 12, registration will be cash or check only.

Children under 16 can ride with registered adult for $10.

Those who register in advance will receive a free pair of commemorative cycling socks, while supplies last.

Proceeds from this year's CycleFest will again support Danbury Youth Services' Earn-A-Bike program, which focuses on helping at-risk kids develop positive and healthy social skills as they work together to rebuild and fix bicycles. Proceeds from CycleFest is Earn-A-Bike's biggest form of program support.

Hat City Cyclists is a recreational cycling club serving the area around Danbury.

While the three longest routes will all have bicyclers riding over roads to the west of Newtown, the 14- and 23-mile routes will have riders traveling through Newtown.

Drivers should be aware that CycleFest participants will be riding over sections of Dodgingtown Road (Route 302), Flat Swamp Road and Poverty Hollow Road on Sunday.

To sign up for CycleFest or for more information, visit