Certain recurring events in the Heights are awaited with great anticipation: White Linen Night each August, late hours at the Heights Neighborhood Library every Monday and Wednesday night, the big BARC pet adoption fair the first Saturday of every month, and the annual Houston Heights Bicycle Rally and Scavenger Hunt on Sunday, October 2.

Now in its 11th year, the race raises money for the Houston Heights Association via entry fees: $20 for the 20-mile ride and scavenger hunt, and $10 for the shorter 5-mile version. The longer ride begins at 8 a.m. (though entrants can technically begin at any time), while the shorter one begins at 2 p.m. The goal? Finding as many of the items on your scavenger hunt list as possible before 4 p.m., a list that will take you throughout the neighborhood's tree- and park-lined streets.

The after-party kicks off at 3:30 p.m. at Marmion Park (18th and Heights Blvd.), where the race both begins and ends, and will offer picnic-style food and refreshments for tired riders. The awards ceremony for those who found the most scavenger hunt items with the clues provided will take place at 4:30 p.m., with plenty of other door prizes to go around.

A few caveats before you head out that Sunday: bicycle helmets are mandatory for participation, and entry fees at the door are slightly higher ($25 for the 20-mile race; $15 for the 5-mile) if you don't sign up ahead of time. And if you can't finish the race, don't despair: SAG wagons will be driving around to pick up any broken-down bikes and/or exhausted riders to return them to Marmion Park.

11th Annual Houston Heights Bicycle Rally and Scavenger Hunt, Sunday, Oct 2, 1802 Heights Blvd.