The Lancaster Bicycle Club exists to promote the sport of bicycling, advocate for the safety of riders and provide members with cycling opportunities. Few events exemplify that mission better than the Covered Bridge Classic.

On Sunday, Aug. 20, the 400-member Lancaster Bicycle Club will stage the 44th edition of its annual Covered Bridge Classic at seven start/finish points across northern Lancaster County. Some 1,300 bicycling enthusiasts from points all along the East Coast will descend upon the county to celebrate the fellowship inspired by cycling.

The event is being presented as a ride, not a competition.

"The purpose is to draw in cyclists," said Leslie Arnold, communications director for the Lancaster Bicycle Club. "It's to offer a huge cycling event to the community. It's an eclectic mix. Some are very serious cyclists. Some people do it because they are challenged by friends. Some make it part of their vacations. People want to see the covered bridges. That's what draws people."

From the seven start/finish points, participants are treated to rides of various length - 35, 50, 65 or 100 miles - through the Lancaster County countryside in the areas of Warwick Township, Ephrata, Manheim, Stevens and Hempfield. The 100-mile trek incorporates 14 of Lancaster County's covered bridges into its journey.

All of the routes include rest stops, some of which feature mechanical support, parking and refreshments.

"Lancaster is not flat," said Arnold. "There aren't steep, steep climbs, but we have climbs that are going to push you. The shortest course has the least amount of climbs, and the longest course has the most amount of climbs."

The Covered Bridge Classic also serves as a fundraiser. From its participation, the Lancaster Bicycle Club is hoping to raise more than $10,000, some of which will be put back into the club, some of which will be funneled into community causes related to bicycling and some of which will go toward the maintenance of the covered bridges.

Since 1999, the Lancaster Bicycle Club has awarded $545,000 in grants mainly funded through the Covered Bridge Classic.

"It's a huge way to give back to the community," said Arnold. "The Lancaster Bike Club is all about advocating for cycling safety. We have social events throughout the year. We have different things for everybody, different types of rides for all levels of riders. Throughout the year, there's always an effort to schedule a ride every weekend."

In addition to its relaxed rides, the Lancaster Bicycle Club also organizes two other more formal rides - the Three Creek Century and the Chocolate Tour.

The Lancaster Bicycle Club was formed in 1973, and six years later it presented its inaugural Covered Bridge Classic.

"Over the years, we've evolved," said Arnold. "More people came in, and we became bigger and more complex. At one point, we had 600 members. It's a pastime you can do, and there's also more serious riders. The club has evolved to reflect the needs of the membership."

For additional information about the Covered Bridge Classic, go to http://www.coveredbridgeclassic.com.