Want to see Southern Pines Mayor Mike Haney barreling down West New Hampshire Avenue on a tricycle with a monkey on his back?

If so, venture out to the Tour de Trike at 5:30 p.m. Thursday to see Haney and 50 other Moore County personalities don funny costumes, climb onto their tricycles and race to raise money for the United Way of Moore County.

Linda Pearson, executive director of the United Way of Moore County, says the third annual tricycle race allows the community to come together for a laugh and a good cause.

"It's just a really funny family time," she said.

The event will feature participants from municipalities and the Moore County school system, as well as local businesses and organizations.

Riders will race from Broad Street to Bennett Street on New Hampshire Avenue in different heats as they compete for the top gold medal honor.

In 2009, Brian Thomas, of the Sandhills Cycling Club, took the gold medal, while Trish Deerweister, representing the Wine Cellar and Tasting Room, took silver, and Patrick Coughlin, president and CEO of the Moore County Chamber of Commerce, took bronze.

Spectators can donate money to either hinder or help participants as they race by paying to put a person dressed as a monkey on a rider's back.

"And of course, you can pay to get it off," Pearson said, laughing. "It'll be a lot of fun. Everybody's a good sport when it comes to the tricycle race and knowing that it's all for a good cause."

Each participant pays a $100 rider fee and raises additional money by getting people to sponsor their participation during the race.

Southern Pines will close New Hampshire Avenue between Broad Street and Bennett Street at 3 p.m. in preparation for the event.

The Tour de Trike committee will decide whether or not to cancel the event at that time if there is rain. If the event is canceled, Tour de Trike will take place May 5 at the same location and time.

The race began in 2008 as a way to bring the community together in support of the United Way, which helps fund 22 programs and non-profit agencies in Moore County.

"Anybody we mentioned it to thought the idea of adults riding tricycles was hilarious," Pearson said. "I expect that we'll be doing it for a long time."

For more information about races, call the United Way of Moore County at (910) 692-2413.