The Alabama Coastal Foundation is bringing back its popular Good Life Ride to popular local trails. This is the 17th annual ride. The event will be held at Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores. Riders of all skill levels are invited to join this relaxed cycling event. This is not a race — it’s an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the Gulf Coast while supporting a good cause.

The Good Life Ride is planned for May 9th at Gulf State Park. All participants will start and finish at Gulf State Park, in the parking lot to the east of the Lake Shelby Playground. Participants can choose how they enjoy the event. They can create their own ride anytime during the weekend or join a guided 9-mile ride at 9 a.m. in the parking lot east of Lake Shelby Playground, located at 20110 AL-135.

After the ride, everyone is welcome to join the after-party at Woodside Restaurant, aka the Woodside Grill, starting at 11 a.m. The event will feature food and drinks for all participants. It's a great opportunity to relax and connect with fellow riders who share a love of the coast.

The registration fee is $40. There is discounted lodging in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores for those planning a weekend trip. New this year are discounts for cabins located inside the park, providing a convenient and comfortable base for riders. The lodge is located inside the park, providing a convenient and comfortable base for riders.

Haley Jackson, the ACF Coastal Relations Coordinator, explained why the event is important to the organization's mission. "We do this under the Cooperation part of our mission because the more people who enjoy our coastal environment, the more they will want to protect it," she said.

The Alabama Coastal Foundation has been dedicated to protecting and restoring resources along Alabama's coastline. Events like the Good Life Ride help engage people directly with the environment. The foundation believes that creating that connection is a powerful tool for conservation.

Gulf State Park is renowned for its beautiful natural scenery, including wetlands, forests, and coastal waterways. The park's backcountry trails provide an ideal setting for a cycling event. Riders will get an up-close view of the ecosystems that the ACF works hard to conserve.

For more information or to register for the event, visit GoodLifeRide.org.