'Bikes for Kids,' a Connecticut-based nonprofit organization founded in 1989, is holding its 2nd Annual Charity Ride on Sunday, Oct. 1.

The charity, which was founded by Chuck Graeb, is run by retired Lyme-Old Lyme Schools teacher Dave Fowler. Volunteers collect, repair and safety test donated used bicycles. The refurbished bicycles, along with new helmets, are given away to individuals of all ages and needs. More than 1,000 bicycles are given away annually, with 21,000 bicycles donated to date.

Most donated bicycles remain in Connecticut, but some have reached children in other states and countries. Requests for bicycles come from local and state social service organizations, churches, schools, other nonprofits and individuals.

All rides during the Annual Charity Ride will begin in Essex. There will be four rides to choose from: The Family Ride, with a 3-mile or more challenging 12-mile ride; the 27-mile Intermediate Ride; and the 55-mile ride through 7 towns for "diehards."

Depending on the route selected, riders can travel through Essex, Deep River, Chester, Haddam, Killingworth, Westbrook and Clinton. After the ride, all cyclists are invited for food, fun and tours at the new 'Bikes for Kids' Wheelhouse in Essex.

More information is available at www.bikesforkidsct.org.

To register, visit bit.ly/bikes4kids2017.