CONCORD -- The Jericho Road Project, a volunteer clearinghouse that pairs corporate executives, lawyers, marketing consultants and other experts with Lowell-based nonprofit agencies, is hosting its annual Jericho Road Ride fundraiser on Sunday, Sept. 30.

Founded four years ago, Jericho Road has paired more than 160 professionals with 65 Lowell agencies, providing more than 6,000 hours of volunteer time valued at more than $1 million. The Jericho Road Ride is the organization's only fundraiser. Bicycle riders travel from Concord Center to downtown Lowell to raise money. More than 100 adults and children are expected to take part this year.

The 20-mile ride will finish with a family party at Boarding House Park in Lowell, featuring music, food and prizes. Jericho Road Executive Director Dan Holin said the idea of the one-way ride "is to drive folks from the suburbs to Lowell. They end up in Lowell and they meet their family in Lowell," Holin said. "It's not just a way for us to raise money to pay for what we do but it's a way for us to drive suburban families to Lowell to see how great it is," he said.

The event is a one-way ride. Jericho Road Ride organizers will provide transportation for participants and their bicycles back to Concord. Participants can either raise money for the organization or pay a $125 fee. Holin said Jericho Road has a $250,000 annual budget for the fiscal year that began July 1. He said organizers hope the event will raise $40,000 or $50,000. "It's our only fundraiser," he said. "A lot's riding on it. No pun intended."

For more information, visit www.jerichoroadproject.org. The rain date is Oct. 6.