Sidecountry Trails, an effort of Sidecountry Sports, is hosting its annual Thomaston Town Forest family-friendly mountain bike relay race, Saturday, August 19, from 2 to 5 p.m., where two bike partners will take turns pedaling as many laps as possible for "tree" hours. The team with the most laps wins.

But be ready, there may be some surprises along the way. The course includes a mix of trail and dirt and suitable for most any bike (off road bikes recommended). Helmets are required for this event.

The start and finish area will include water and snacks along with plenty of room to be comfortable between laps. Spectators are encouraged to attend and support the teams.

The event is free. There is no cost to register and all contributions go directly to trail building.

Sidecountry Trails was established to help support local partners in creating new opportunities for cyclists in the area. The mission is to connect private donors, bicycle industry resources, local partners and a highly motivated and experienced trail staff to maintain and improve existing trail infrastructure, to open new trail networks to cycling, and to create new cycling infrastructure in the Midcoast region, while supporting the missions and goals of our partner organizations.