Scores of cyclists and support crew volunteers will hit the Sierra foothill backroads this weekend for the 3rd Annual Shenandoah Valley Pumpkin Pedal.

Produced by NorCal AIDS Cycle, the four-day, 330-mile fundraising ride held each spring, Pumpkin Pedal 2012 will be held Saturday, Oct. 13. Participants may choose between three scenic cycling routes geared for different fitness levels; all three routes will begin between 7 and 9 a.m. at the Main Street Park in beautiful, historic Plymouth, Calif. Located in Amador County, Plymouth lies about 40 miles east of Sacramento off Route 49.

All three routes offer full support courtesy of the experienced NorCal AIDS Cycle volunteer support crew. The 50km route takes riders through vineyards and pastures and the tiny towns of River Pines, Aukum, Tylers Corner and Fiddletown, with gentle grades and 1,300 feet of elevation gain overall. Two fully stocked rest stops and delicious lunch, catered by official NorCal AIDS Cycle caterer Maranello Catering of Fair Oaks, will keep cyclists fueled up and comfortable.

For those pining for more climbing, the event offers a 100km route featuring a 4,000-foot elevation gain and dramatic terrain, including granite cliffs and a ride in and out of the Cosumnes River Gorge. Four fully stocked rest stops will be provided in addition to lunch. And for those looking for an even bigger challenge, the 112km “Great Pumpkin Pedal Route” leaves the 100km route at mile 40 for a 5-mile, 1,300-foot climb up “Slug Gulch,” infamous for its several 15-percent grades. Cyclists on the 112km route will be rewarded for their effort with a breathtakingly beautiful foothill descent.

Now in its third year, the Shenandoah Valley Pumpkin Pedal is produced by NorCal AIDS Cycle (NCAC), a fundraising ride held each May supporting HIV/AIDS service organizations in Sacramento and Northern California. The Pumpkin Pedal is a great way to kick off the training season for NorCal AIDS Cycle or just enjoy a beautiful fall ride with great bunch of people. Online registration cost is $60 for the 50km ride, $70 for the 100km and 112 km routes. For more information, visit www.pumpkinpedal.com; or visit https://www.active.com/register/index.cfm?EVENT_ID=2043655&CHECKSSO=0 to register.