A bicycle charity ride returns to the rolling hills of Bowdoinham this weekend to raise funds and collect items for the town’s food pantry.

Le Tour de Bowdoinham takes off at 9 a.m. this Saturday, Aug. 16, with the starting and finishing line at the Bowdoinham Food Pantry at Milly Park in the downtown. Riders can register online through bikereg.com by searching for “Le Tour de Bowdoinham,” and the registration fee can be in the form of a non-perishable food item or monetary donation to support the food pantry’s ongoing efforts.

Last month, the Bowdoinham Food Pantry served 61 households, including around 115 adults and 50 children, in about 176 visits, with two new clients welcomed, according to the pantry’s online statistics.

Donations to the Bowdoinham Food Pantry can be made through the website at bowdoinhamfoodpantry.org, and food can be dropped off before the ride starts. Parking will be across the road from the Bowdoinham Country Store, with overflow parking at the Bowdoinham Community School.

The Le Tour de Bowdoinham is a self-supported ride with routes split into three sections: 10, 24, and 34 miles. There are two rest stops, one at mile 10, across from the Fire Station at 28 Millay Road, and another at mile 24 at the recreation field parking lot. The event is rain or shine unless there is severe weather, and there will be store options along the route in case riders need to stock up on energy snacks or water.

Brand new for this year’s bride are the event jerseys that can be purchased through a QR code in the Bowdoinham Town Office; however, the shirts won’t arrive until after the event is over if participants haven’t ordered them in advance.

Le Tour de Bowdoinham first began two years ago, but was the second charity bike ride that cycling enthusiast and Bowdoinham resident Ken Saindon organized with the town and local businesses. The first charity ride took place in 2020 to combat food insecurity while bringing people together to experience a ride through Bowdoinham’s scenic rolling hills, taking in the farmlands and forest along the Merrymeeting Bay.

Food and beverages are available for a post-ride at the Three Robbers’ Pub with a special menu for participants to order. Raffle prizes include gift cards to Woods & Water Gear Exchange, Bath Cycle & Ski, and the Bowdoinham Farmers Market.