The PAWS and Pints Fun Ride will hit the road next weekend to benefit PAWS of Bainbridge Island and North Kitsap.

The event is co-sponsored by Classic Cycle and the Treehouse Cafe, and includes two optional 5-mile bike rides around Lynwood Center neighborhoods and a festive after-ride gathering featuring live music, soft drinks and beer, and a display of the annual PAWS Picture Your Pet photo contest.

The event benefits community programs of PAWS of Bainbridge Island and North Kitsap, including free spay/neuter programs and veterinary care for pets of low-income households.

Treehouse Cafe owner Arnie Sturham started the event last year, along with Classic Cycle co-owner Paul Johnson, to support animal welfare while also creating a fun and family-oriented community gathering.

Johnson stressed that more competitive bike events in the area aren’t always “family friendly,” and said he encourages everyone to “leave the Spandex at home.”

Sturham said he’s an animal lover and is glad that local businesses and the community can come together to support family pets.

“We appreciate the many years of kindhearted service that PAWS has contributed to our community, making our lives and our pets’ lives richer,” he said.

Pre-registration for the event is $20 for adults and $12 for children 12 and under until July 31.

Participants who pre-register for the fun ride will walk away with more than $2,000 worth of prizes, including free bikes and gift certificates from Classic Cycle, as well as $1,000 of Treehouse Cafe gift certificates.

Those who sign up for the ride before July 31 will get a complimentary gift bag and be entered for the raffles; prizes including a Raleigh Cruiser and a Trek kids’ bike.

Non-riders can participate in games and vote for the Picture Your Pet People’s Choice award, as well as enjoy soft drinks, beer provided by Stone Brewery, and complimentary acoustic music by members of the popular Seattle-based folk rock band The Maldives.

Rider check-in begins at 10 a.m. and the bike course and all other activities run from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 5. The music begins at 12:30 p.m.

Register online through the Treehouse Cafe website at http://treehousebainbridge.com/event/paws-and-pints-fun-ride/.

For information on entering the PAWS Picture Your Pet photo contest, visit the PAWS website at http://www.northkitsappaws.org/events/pyp12.html.