LAKE COUNTY – I don’t know about you, but for a fair weather, leisurely bike rider like me, the annual Konocti Challenge Bike Ride on Saturday, Oct. 3, is an awe-inspiring event.

Hundreds of intrepid bicyclists come from all over to tackle this challenging and beautiful ride.

There are four ride options, the 65 or 100 mile course following the circle of the lake, or the 19 or 30 mile family ride. All of the choices offer beautiful views and first class rest stops.

Pre-registration is Friday, Oct. 2, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Lakeport Yacht Club. This is a benefit for the Rotary Club of Lakeport.

The ride release times for the 100, 65 and 30 miles rides are from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. Saturday morning with the 19 mile family ride having a mass start at 10 a.m.

I give the sponsors great credit for their honesty in their descriptions of the courses. While the really serious riders want this information so they can line out their strategy, the rest of us just gape in wonder at the changing elevations they expect you to be able to make.

The short version of the rides is as follows (for the nitty, gritty details you can get them on their Web site at www.konoctichallenge.com ).

The 100-mile ride is for riders who are really ready to test themselves, knowing they really earned the absolutely great steak and chicken dinner at the end a great day in the saddle.

The 65-mile ride is also not for the faint of heart! Like the 100 mile ride you will ease into the ride as you enjoy coasting along the beautiful Clear Lake shoreline keeping Mt. Konocti in your sights from across the lake. The 65 mile ride also offers some of the Challenge's greatest vistas. The Web site says you may want to pack a camera.

The 30-mile ride sets you on a course traveling south of Lakeport through rows of engaging orchards and quiet country roads.

The new 19-mile fun ride is designed for you and your family to spend a wonderful day of riding together enjoying beautiful Lake County and each other.

All rides offer full SAG support and rest stops along the way.

There really isn’t anywhere else that offers more beautiful countryside and magnificent views than Lake County, so if you choose to participate in one of the rides or just go out and cheer the riders on, it is a great way to spend a beautiful fall day in Lake County and support a great organization.

Pre-registration fees are $60 for the 100-mile ride, $50 for the 65-mile ride, and $40 for the 30-mile ride and $10 for 12 and under and $20 for 13 and over for the 19-mile family ride. Add $10 to the fees if you wait to register at the event. You can also get an official ride jersey for $75.

For more information you can call 707-349-0815 or see their web site at www.konoctichallenge.com .