The Mandell JCC, headquartered in West Hartford, will offer a variety of different length bike rides with opportunities to win prizes along the way.

Submitted photo

Submitted by Larah Winn, Mandell JCC

Bicyclists of all ages and levels can try their hand and raise money for children at the Mandell JCC’s Annual Poker Bike Ride on Sunday, July 10, 2016. The event will begin and finish at the Mandell JCC’s summer site, The Swim & Tennis Club, 4 Duncaster Rd., Bloomfield, CT. Proceeds from this event will benefit Youth Programming at the Mandell JCC.

Participants can choose from a 15-, 25- or 50-mile ride through the Connecticut River Valley, including the scenic tobacco fields of Bloomfield and the beautiful Connecticut River. Along the way, cyclists will draw playing cards at designated rest stops, giving each participant enough cards for one poker hand and a chance to win prizes at the end of the ride.

Riders with the best hands of the day will win prizes. This year there will a new 15-mile route with less hills and more picturesque views.

After completing the bike ride, participants will enjoy a complimentary lunch and family members are welcome join the riders for the remainder of the day, relaxing by the pool, or participating in any of the various activities at The Swim & Tennis club.

Fifty-mile riders will start at 7 a.m and 15- and 25-mile participants will begin at 9 a.m. at The Swim & Tennis Club. Pre-registration is mandatory for 50-mile ride only.

Fees for the Poker Bike Ride before July 10 are $36 for adults, and $10 for children 16 and under. First 100 riders will receive an event t-shirt or athletic string bag.

Fees on the day of the event are $50 for adults and $15 for kids 16 and under. To register, contact the Member Services Center, 860-236-4571. For more information on the Annual Poker Bike Ride, contact Kathy Armstrong-Crouch, 860-231-6337,[email protected]. The Annual Poker Bike Ride would not be possible without main sponsor, Bloomfield Bicycle & Repair Shop.

The Mandell Jewish Community Center is open to everyone and supported by funds raised by the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford, a recipient of funding from the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford, and a member of the JCC Association of North America. For updates, follow the Mandell JCC on Facebook and Twitter. All dates and programs subject to change.