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NATCHEZ — Saturday, June 7, is the 5th annual Young Professionals Natchez Bicycle Classic that brings cyclists from all over to Natchez to ride.

Also, festivities kick off tonight with the free Family Fun Ride for all ages. Families decorate their bicycles with light-up and glow-in-the-dark accessories for a casual ride downtown beginning at 5:30 p.m., beginning at Smoot’s Grocery.

All riders must wear regulation helmets, and all minors must be accompanied by an adult.

The Bicycle Classic is not a race, said Natchez Chamber of Commerce Director Lyn Jenkins. Rather, participants of all cycling levels can ride at their leisure with no time restrictions. More than half the riders will be participating in the long trek, 62 miles along the Natchez Trace.

Jenkins said the trace is known among cyclists as the “mecca” of bicycle rides. The ride last year brought cyclists from Texas, Arkansas, Florida, all over Louisiana and Mississippi.

“We encourage folks to come out and cheer them on,” Jenkins said.

There is also a shorter 15.4-mile paved ride for beginners, a 26-mile paved ride and a 48.5-mile mixed road and gravel ride.

All rides begin at 8 a.m. on Saturday on the Natchez Bluff, with the first riders expected to return around 11 a.m.

The packet pickup for registered Bicycle Classic riders is from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. tonight at Smoot’s.

Jenkins said today is the last chance for the “late birds” who are still on the fence about riding in the classic to claim their special and final offer to participate. Registration is $65 plus fees and taxes. Visit natchezbicycleclassic.com for details.

Along the ride are five support and gear (SAG) stops where riders can rest and refresh with snacks and drinks, including one SAG at Church Hill Variety.

At the conclusion of the ride is a Post-Ride Party on the Natchez Bluff with food for riders provided by Wardo’s and The Natchez Chamber, beverages provided by Southwest Distributors and Coca-Cola and music by Fun 101.

Riders also receive a T-shirt with the original Natchez Bicycle Classic design by Charles Moroney and custom socks, among other goodies from sponsors.

“We’re expecting 100 riders,” Jenkins said, with 80 riders registered as of Friday.

Visit www.natchezbicycleclassic.com to register.