(Video production services provided by GLD Communications)

XENIA — Cyclists, families and community supporters are invited to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary this fall at the United Way Americana 250 Cycling Classic, set for Sunday, Oct. 11, at the Greene County Fairgrounds and Expo Center.

The event combines cycling, local history and family fun while raising money for the United Way of the Greater Dayton Area, serving Montgomery, Greene and Preble counties. Registration is now open, with four routes designed for everyone from casual family riders to experienced cyclists seeking a metric century challenge.

The rides will begin and end at the fairgrounds, located at 120 Fairground Road in Xenia, and are part of the well-known Tour de Gem Cycling Series. Greene County serves as the centerpiece of the event because of its extensive paved trail network, the largest in the nation.

Participants can choose from the 10-mile Liberty Ride for families, the 25-mile Pioneer Expedition, the 40-mile Heritage Quest, or the 64-mile Patriot Tour, a metric century route connecting several Greene County communities. But organizers emphasize that the event is about more than cycling.

While riders pay a registration fee, the on-site fairgrounds festivities, known as the Heritage Hub, will be free and open to the public. Visitors can enjoy food trucks, vendor displays, demonstrations and the Young Explorer Zone, featuring a bike course designed especially for small children.

“This event is a celebration of community, history and healthy living,” said Tom Kelley, President and CEO of the United Way of the Greater Dayton Area. “Whether you ride 10 miles or 64, volunteer, sponsor the event or simply bring your family out to enjoy the Heritage Hub, you’re helping us strengthen our community while celebrating this important milestone in our nation’s history.”

Businesses and organizations still have time to get involved. Sponsorship opportunities and vendor booths remain available, giving companies a chance to showcase their products and services while supporting a regional cause. Sponsorship levels range from major corporate partnerships to rest stop sponsorships, while vendor spaces are available in multiple sizes.

Community participation will be key to making the inaugural event a success. Kelley said “United Way really wants this to become a signature event for Greene County and the Miami Valley because it’s an opportunity to bring people together, celebrate our shared heritage and invest in programs that improve lives throughout our region.”

All proceeds from the Americana 250 Cycling Classic will benefit programs and services of the United Way of the Greater Dayton Area, supporting initiatives focused on youth opportunity, financial security, health and community resiliency throughout Montgomery, Greene and Preble counties.

Event organizers say they hope the day will bring together cyclists, families, local businesses and history enthusiasts alike for a celebration that honors the past while investing in the future. The event runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, at the Greene County Fairgrounds and Expo Center in Xenia. Registration, sponsorship information and vendor applications are now available. For more information, visit https://www.dayton-unitedway.org/americana-250-cycling-classic.

Sponsors include The Dayton Foundation, Trek Dayton, CareSource, Greene County Convention and Visitors Bureau, GLD Communications, Warriors On Wheels, Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission. Media requests should be directed to GLD Communications, the official public relations agency for the event.