The 26th annual Bike & Hike, hosted by COBYS Family Services (COBYS), will take place on Sunday, Sept. 11, at the Lititz Church of the Brethren, 300 W. Orange St., Lititz. The signature components of the gathering will continue, with this year's festivities featuring a bigger Incredible Ice Cream Celebration.

The Bike & Hike has raised more than $2 million in its history. These funds provide care for children and families receiving services through the COBYS foster care, adoption, counseling and family life education ministries.

Participants can choose from three modes of transportation and four routes: a 3-mile walk through Lititz, a 10- or 25-mile bicycle ride through Lancaster County scenery or a 65-mile motorcycle ride circling the countryside around Lancaster.

Individuals, families and groups are encouraged to attend, gather sponsors for their walk or ride or just hang out at the Incredible Ice Cream Celebration to learn more about the ministries of COBYS while enjoying ice cream from Fox Meadows Creamery.

As part of Bike & Hike, COBYS has launched its Kickstart Fund again this year. The goal is to raise $25,000 before Sept. 11, helping to sustain the organization throughout the year. View COBYS' Facebook and Instagram pages to follow along with preparations for the Bike & Hike and the Kickstart.

A full schedule of events can be found at http://www.cobys.org/bike-and-hike.

Preregistration for the Bike & Hike is encouraged but not required. Registration can be done at the aforementioned website, with a minimum donation before Monday, Sept. 5, or a larger donation after that date. Sponsors include Fillmore Container and The Hess Agency.

Motivated by Christian faith, COBYS Family Services seeks to educate, support and empower children and adults to reach their full potential. Located in Lancaster County, COBYS Family Services provides a range of foster care, adoption, permanency, family life education and counseling services throughout the region. To learn more about these services, visit http://www.cobys.org.

For more information, contact Doug May at 717-656-6580, ext. 148, or doug@cobys.org.