(KAIR)--The 2017 Biking Across Kansas event is coming to a close, with the eight day bicycle tour set to wrap up Saturday in Leavenworth.

According to the event's website, the annual bike ride across Kansas is held to promote health and wellness through bicycling.

Riders began their journey June 9 at the Kansas/Colorado border, just west of Tribune, and have been making their way to northeast Kansas ever since.

The route for the ride changes each year, with Friday's overnight stay in the Leavenworth County community of Tonganoxie, listed as a first for the annual bike ride.

The 21 mile ride from Tonganoxie to the city of Leavenworth Saturday will serve as the final leg of the 2017 tour.

Cyclists will commemorate the end of the ride with a picnic in Leavenworth.

That follows their morning arrival into the city's downtown area.

The ride hosts more than 800 riders each year.

The first Biking Across Kansas event was held in 1975.