Hundreds, perhaps thousands, of bicyclists will return Saturday for the

18th Solvang Prelude bicycle ride organized by Specialized Coronary Outpatient Rehabilitation (SCOR), a recreational bike club that promotes cycling as rehabilitative therapy for people with heart conditions.

Money raised by the event benefits the nonprofit group's efforts.

"We are looking forward to great weather, and all the pieces are falling into place," said event coordinator Randy Ice.

Cyclists in the prelude have a choice of a 25-mile, 50-mile or metric century ride to end the season and also look ahead to SCOR's Solvang Century and Half-Century scheduled for March 13, 2010.

Riders begin their rides between 7:30 and 9 a.m. Saturday, with most of them finishing in the early afternoon. Organizers planned to make a final course sweep at 3:30 p.m.

No road closures are expected for the prelude, which is a social ride for amateur cyclists. However, the California Highway Patrol and Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department will monitor traffic at busy

intersections.

Ice said SCOR is expecting about 2,000 people to ride Saturday throughout Solvang, Los Olivos and Santa Ynez. Pre-registration costs were $45, rising to $60 for those who wish to sign up Saturday.

Race-day registration will be at the Alisal River Course at 150 Alisal Road.

For more information, log onto www.scorccc.com or call (562) 690-9693.