NEWRY – More than 1,900 cyclists are expected to converge on the Sunday River Ski Resort on Friday for the start of the 24th annual Trek Across Maine.

The riders will begin leaving the resort at 7 a.m. on a three-day, 169.5 mile journey to Belfast. The event is a fundraiser for the American Lung Association of Maine.

Friday’s ride will pass through Rumford, Weld, and Wilton before ending at the University of Maine at Farmington. On Saturday, cyclists will loop up through New Vineyard, North Anson, and Norridgewock before finishing at Colby College in Waterville.

The final ride on Sunday will pass through East Vassalboro, Liberty, and Searsmont before concluding at Steamboat Landing in Belfast.

Police officers will be stationed at major intersections and accompanying the riders to ensure their safety.

Drivers along the route will experience a slowdown in traffic and are asked to be patient and cautious.

More than 600 volunteers are expected to help with the event, which last year raised $1.5 million for the American Lung Association.

The event has raised $13 million since its inception. Each rider must raise a minimum of $500 and pay a $50 registration fee.

The ages of the cyclists range this year from 5 to 90. Six riders and two volunteers have participated in the event since it began in 1985.