Ride the Rock, a free family bike ride sponsored by the Forest Preserve District of Will County, will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

Ride the Rock goes along two forest preserve trails, the Rock Run Trail and Joliet Junction Trail, which create a 15-mile loop through the communities of Joliet, Crest Hill and Rockdale. Registration is recommended.

Riders will check in at the Rock Run Greenway - I & M Canal Access Preserve. From there they will set out northward along the Rock Run Trail, which passes through property owned by Joliet Junior College and by the Forest Preserve District of Will County at the Rock Run Greenway-Black Road Access Preserve. Street routes will take riders to the district's Theodore Marsh Preserve, on Theodore Street in Crest Hill, where they will begin southward along the Joliet Junction Trail. In Rockdale, this trail joins with the I & M Canal State Trail, which will be used to return to I & M Canal Access and complete the 15-mile loop.

Four rest stops will be set up along the route, where riders can get refreshments and use a restroom. Two of these stops will also offer kids' activities.

Both the Rock Run Trail and Joliet Junction Trail are comprised of asphalt surfacing. The event is open to all ages, but is recommended for individual riders of at least 11 years old. In addition to their own bikes, all riders are urged to wear safety helmets and to bring drinking water. Registration is recommended, and the first 500 registrants are guaranteed a goodie bag.

Check in will begin at 9 a.m., and the last riders should set out on the trail no later than 11 a.m.

For registration and information, call the Forest Preserve District of Will County at (815) 727-8700.

- THE TIMES