Wheels of Hope, the charity bike ride benefiting St. Nicholas Center for Children, will roll Sat., Oct. 1. What could make a morning of perfect temps, great scenery, a little exercise and doing good even better? How about adding a little bacon? According to Brittany Schwem, St. Nicholas Center for Children, one of the “Taste of Louisiana” chefs serving beginning at the event, has promised bacon-wrapped duck breasts and that’s just the appetizer.

Registration is 7:15 a.m. to 8 a.m. for Wheels of Hope. After an invocation and pledge, riders depart St. Theodore Holy Family Catholic School in Moss Bluff at 8:15. Taste of Louisiana begins at 9 a.m.

The ride has five different routes through scenery that includes the newly revamped Sam Houston Jones State Park. The five-to ten-mile route is very family friendly, an easy way to participate for all ages including riders on the autism spectrum, Schwem said.

“One of our clients does the five-mile route and the joy of watching him ride is by far one of the greatest experiences of the event,” she said.

Wheels of Hope also offers a 25, 48 and 56-mile route. Some of the riders compete amongst their group in the longer routes. Some are training for competitions. Volunteers whose families are served come out to personally thank participants and can be found holding signs to cheer all the riders along.

“After riders cross the finish line, they can enjoy a “Taste of Louisiana” sponsored by Tellurian, Inc. and Shearman Foundation,” Schwem said. “This year we’re happy to announce a team of outstanding chefs who will be offering their favorite Cajun appetizers and savory dishes.”

St. Nicholas Center is a non-profit pediatric center that provides services to children with autism, developmental delays and neurological disorders. The center offers Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), speech and occupational  therapy all under one roof.

“Not only does this mean that children can be treated without having to be transported to different facilities, but it also results in the kind of collaboration that yields amazing results,” Schwem said.

Registration is $40 for adults and $20 for children (17 and under). All of the proceeds and funds benefit children and families of Southwest Louisiana through life-changing therapy. For more information, or ways to donate, call 337-491-0800. For more information, visit the St. Nicholas for Children Facebook page.