The deadline may have passed, but bike riders still have a chance to support the Iowa Special Olympics and the Iowa Games by registering for the Mayor’s Bike Ride this Saturday.

Pre-registration time is over, but people interested in participating still can register the morning of the event. The Fourth Annual Mayor’s Bike Ride begins at 10 a.m.

Families of four will be charged $45 with a $7 fee for each additional rider. Individual adults can ride for $20, and a $7 fee will be charged for children.

The registration fee includes a T-shirt, water at the rest stops and a picnic lunch.

All money will benefit the Iowa Special Olympics and the Iowa Games. Door prizes also will be given away.

Lucy Thomas, president of Friends of Central Iowa Biking, said the group hopes to raise at least $5,000 for the Iowa Special Olympics and Iowa Games.

The event already has attracted 200 registered participants, and Thomas said she expects at least another 100 people to register the day of the ride.

“The weather is looking good for Saturday, so I am hopeful that we will have a good turnout,” she said.

Most riders are from the community, and Thomas said the ride is designed for families. “I also see quite a few older riders participating. This is a ride for the occasional rider,” she said.

This year’s ride will kick off at the Emma McCarthy Lee Park, 3400 Ross Road.

The route will be a nine-mile loop around Ames, including a trip across the new bridge in Stuart Smith Park, 1501 S. 4th St.

It also will feature the Hyland Avenue bike lanes.

Thomas said this year’s ride has moved from its typical starting point at Brookside Park, 1325 6th St., because the park was booked for other events.

She said the Mayor’s Bike Ride is for a good cause and a lot of fun.

“I encourage people to come out for a good ride, free lunch and a chance for a door prize,” Thomas said.