WHAT: Citrus Blossom Century and Metric Century Ride offers cycling enthusiasts and fans the opportunity to ride one of California’s prime agricultural regions while supporting youth mentoring programs of Big Brothers Big Sisters. Smell the fragrant fruit blossoms as you tour agricultural highlights of Ventura County. The route winds up Grimes Canyon through the Los Posas Valley, Somis, Camarillo, Oxnard Plains, East Ventura Foothills, Santa Paula farmlands, Bardsdale orchards and Fillmore fields. The day begins at Two-River Park in Fillmore. The metric century route takes in the Fillmore Orchards to Camarillo Foothills / El Rio Strawberry Fields and follows the foothills of Ventura and Santa Paula, before returning to Fillmore. Elevation gain is 2,756’. A 5-mile family ride is also available.

HOW: Register online or by mail. $55 for Century and metric century; $25 for Family Ride before April 1st, 2013. Late registration is $65; event day registration is $75. Visit http://www.active.com/cycling/fillmore-ca/fillmore-citrus-blossom-centur... or www.bbsvc.org to register. Registration includes: route slip and bib number; SAG stops with food/water/bike support. Jerseys available for purchase, BBQ available after the ride. If registration is by mail, make checks payable to Big Brothers Big Sisters and mail to 445 Rosewood Ave Suite Q, Camarillo, CA 93010

WHY: 100% of all proceeds will benefit the mentoring programs of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County, an organization dedicated to changing the lives of children and youth facing adversity for the better, forever. Big Brothers Big Sisters serves more than 1,500 youth and their families in Ventura County and neighboring communities, and is the top ranked youth mentoring organization in the country by Guidestar’s Philanthropedia, because of its evidence-based mentoring model with proven youth outcomes.

WHO: Come out and enjoy the best farmlands of Ventura County alongside fellow riders and at the same time support the efforts of mentors and youth programs at Big Brothers Big Sisters. The Citrus Blossom Century ride is supported by the Fillmore Rotary; both organizations work together and help children navigate into adulthood responsibly.

WHEN/WHERE: The Citrus Blossom Century will take place on Saturday, April 6 starting at 8:00 a.m. Event begins at Two Rivers Park, 1300 River Street, Fillmore. Two Rivers Park is at the west-end of Fillmore. You can access it from Highway 126 in Fillmore. Either take D Street or C Street, south to the park. A Google earth KMZ route file to see the elevations and course is available upon request. Helmets required for ALL riders.

We invite individuals, companies and local businesses to consider advertising and sponsorship opportunities by contacting Lisa Meeker at 805.484.2282 x 18 or by e-mailing lmeeker@bbsvc.org.

Visit our website at www.bbsvc.org or call 805.484.2282 for additional event updates. Facebook Event Page: http://www.facebook.com/bbsvc/events