BAY MINETTE — Nearly 1,000 cyclists will invade Bay Minette Saturday morning, bringing traffic to a standstill.

But it’s all for a good cause.

The morning’s events are part of  RIDEYELLOW, a charity bike ride that raises funds for cancer research while remembering those who are fighting the disease.

The ride was co-founded in 2007 by Mary Trufant to raise awareness of cancer and to draft grassroots support for their mission of inspiring and empowering people affected by cancer. That first year drew 300 riders and raised $30,000. The following year, the race moved from Loxley to Bay Minette and grew to 450 riders.

The ride has continued to grow in popularity and last year saw more than 250 volunteers and 750 cyclists take part, bringing in $70,000 which was donated to Camp Rap-A-Hope, USS Hope, Livestrong, Camp Odyssey and Covenant Hospice. To date, the event has raised more than $330,000 for various charities.

Trufant said it’s hard to believe how much the event has grown, and the number of lives touched in the process. “Every year I stand on that ladder and look over the crowd of multicolored clad cyclists ready to ride and then I glance over my shoulder and see all of the volunteers lined up, ready to cheer our riders on and I am totally overwhelmed,” she said.

RIDEYELLOW features four courses that cyclists can choose from, depending on their skill level. Courses include a six-mile tribute ride, with a slow pace; the 10-mile flat course that is suited to new riders; a 37-mile moderately hilly course for intermediate riders; and a 62-mile ride for experience riders. The throng of riders will all start at 7 a.m.

While the various courses provide a challenging and picturesque setting for RIDEYELLOW, Trufant said that is not all that draws the participants to this event.

“Our riders ‘get it’ — that this is more than just a bike ride,” she said. “I am always so humbled when the riders ask for the name of a loved one to be added to our memorials section on the website. These are the names of the people who have been diagnosed with cancer. Some are still fighting their battle, and we ride to honor and to remember.”

Among those on that list are Trufant’s parents and friends Sharon and Krisanna, the ones who served as the inspiration for that very first charity ride when she asked her friends to ride and bring some cash to donate to charity. She brought along a Ziploc bag to collect the donations.

“And now, the ripple effect that this has had, the lives this little bike ride has touched … my life is totally changed because of it,” said Trufant.

That added measure, Trufant said, provides a motivation to continue the work. “The energy surrounding this entire experience is amazing. From the riders to the volunteers, it is a totally different type of ride. You can just feel it.”

The backdrop of north Baldwin is also a big draw for the cyclists, Trufant said. “Holding our event in Bay Minette was the best decision we ever fell into. The roads are beautiful. The landscape is inspiring. The city of Bay Minette is so gracious and welcoming. Our riders notice the difference and often make comments about how lovely the weekend was for them.”

Bay Minette Mayor Bob Wills said the city is thrilled to be home to such an outstanding event, which supports so many worthy causes.

“The City of Bay Minette is very excited to be hosting Ride Yellow again this year. This is a terrific event for a wonderful cause and it is our privilege to be able to sponsor it.” Wills said. “Mary Trufant and her staff do a great job in organizing and our people and the Chamber staff do an outstanding job in helping to make this a memorable event for everyone involved.”

Riders will pick-up their packets 5 to 7 p.m. tonight at North Baldwin Wellness Center on Hand Avenue in Bay Minette and again Saturday morning at Halliday Park at the ride site.

Anyone still interested can register tonight or Saturday.

For more information, or to register, visit the event website at www.rideyellow.org.