This year, organizers of the 17th Tour de Tribury are hoping to generate heat of another sort by offering a free Nintendo Wii to the participant who brings in the most donations over $300 for the Southbury Fuel Bank.

Tour de Tribury XVII, set for Saturday, September 26, with a rain date of October 3, will feature fully supported 50-, 25- and 10-mile bike rides and a 5K walk.

One hundred percent of funds raised will go to the Southbury Fuel Bank, which helps Southbury residents in need of assistance to keep their homes warm in winter.

This year, organizers are adding incentives for extra fundraising, encouraging participants to ask family and friends to "sponsor" their ride through tax-deductible donations to the fuel bank.

Everyone who collects additional donations in any amount will receive a free Tour de Tribury water bottle.

Those raising $50 or more will receive extra tickets for a list of donated door prizes.

The top fundraiser in excess of $300 will go home with the Nintendo Wii, and everyone who takes part will have the satisfaction of knowing they're helping their neighbors stay warm this winter.

All rides begin and end in Southbury; the two longer rides also journey through neighboring towns.

Intended for experienced riders, the 50+ mile route leaves Southbury at 8 a.m. and follows a challenging course through half a dozen towns in the Litchfield Hills before returning to Sacred Heart Church.

"It's a very scenic ride, especially in the early fall, when the leaves are just beginning to turn," said Bob McGarry, who serves on the planning committee and has ridden in many previous "Tours."

The 25-mile ride leaves at 9:30 a.m., taking riders through some of the prettiest parts of Southbury, Middlebury and Woodbury.

According to committee member Lauren Lyons, the 50- and 25-mile rides "are wonderfully supported with homemade cookies, water and Gatorade, and lots of encouragement."

"At the 50-mile midpost, we'll even have music," she said.

The 10-mile ride, leaving at 10:30 a.m., is perfect for families, a scenic ride that meanders along the Housatonic via Southbury's River Road to the Shepaug Dam and back.

"The 10-mile course is the nicest you'll find in Western Connecticut," said committee member Joe Ruggiero. "It's really a great ride for novices."

Novice or expert, safety is a top priority at the Tour de Tribury.

Helmets are mandatory for all riders. On each route, there'll be a lead vehicle ahead of the pack and a 'sag wagon' at the rear, with signs warning drivers of bike riders ahead.

Ample water stops will be in place, and volunteers will be on hand to pick up people who for any reason are unable to finish the ride.

The Tour de Tribury is not a race, committee members emphasized.

"We've had riders as young as 6 on the ride and as old as 80," said Bob. "It's very family friendly."

"It's a great event for serious riders," said Lauren. "We're also hoping to attract weekend athletes, youth groups and families with children."

New this year is the 5K walk, a 3.1-mile, stroller-friendly walk along the sidewalks of Southbury's Main Street South, scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m.

"We want everyone to be able to participate," Lauren said, "even if they don't ride bikes."

All courses are timed to finish at noon at Sacred Heart, where lunch will be served, compliments of the Knights of Columbus.

Door prizes will be awarded at that time.

In addition to the Nintendo Wii, prizes include a one-month membership and personal trainer package from The Gym, a bath-and-body tote donated by the Upper Room Thrift Shop, a gift certificate from Señor Pancho's Restaurant, three gift certificates for three-month memberships to the Southbury Fitness Center, a collection of "Life Is Good" products and more.

Over the past 16 years, the Tour de Tribury has provided more than $90,000 for the Southbury Fuel Bank.

"The Tour de Tribury means everything to us," said Director of Social Services Sandy Saren, who administers the fuel bank program. "It's our only fundraiser - it provides the bulk of the money we get."

The Southbury Fuel Bank is especially helpful to people who "fall between the cracks," Sandy explained, people whose income may be slightly above the cut-off for state or federal assistance programs, but who are nonetheless unable to pay their heating bills.

"Those are the people we help a lot," she told Voices. "Last year, because of energy costs and the economy, Gov. Rell added $5 million to Operation Fuel and relaxed the rules somewhat. But who knows what this year will bring?"

So far in 2009, the Southbury Fuel Bank has assisted "way over 100 families" with heating bills.

"That's at least 25 percent more than last year," Sandy said. "And that's just since January. We haven't even started this heating season yet."

"Recognizing the difficult winters we've had over the past several years, and the fact that the price of fuel has been so erratic, I think the fuel bank is worthy of any effort we can put forth," said Bob.

Tour de Tribury XVII is an activity of the Greater Waterbury Cycling Club, in conjunction with SoFIA - Southbury Faith in Action, a lay committee comprised of representatives from the town's various faith communities.

This year's sponsors include Class Cycles; David Nyman, Inc.; DiPalma's New York Pizza; Epiphany Church/Upper Room Thrift Shop; Gary J. Westerman, DMD; Hearing Aid Specialists of Connecticut; Hine Brothers Garage; Historical Art Prints; Julio's Wood Fired Pizza; Mancini Chiropractic; Mikee's Place; Southbury Food Center; The Gym; Tim Conlan Company; Twink McKenney Graphic Design and Urgent Care of Southbury.

"We're so grateful to our sponsors," said Lauren. "Without them, this event wouldn't be possible."

The registration fee for Tour de Tribury XVII is $30 per person if received by Saturday, September 19, with the first 100 registrants receiving a free event T-shirt.

Registration after September 19 is $35 per person, up to a maximum of $100 per family.

Registration forms are available at the Parks and Recreation office, local houses of worship, The Gym and online at www.tourdetribury.blogspot.com.

While advance registration is preferred, day-of-event sign-ups will be accepted beginning at 7 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church.

Those seeking additional information may call Bob McGarry, 203-264-9028.