Event kicks off 'Bike to Work Month' in city

A small horde of bike enthusiasts, clad mainly in black spandex shorts and espousing "go green" sentiments, gathered Sunday at Scott Carpenter Park for the 11th annual Circle Boulder bike ride

The free ride, sponsored by Boulder's Greenways Department, kicked off the city's "Bike to Work Month."

This year, the city has planned a variety of free activities and workshops aimed at getting people out of cars and onto their feet, culminating with the traditional "Walk or Bike to Work Day" on June 25.

Erik Hansen, who was joined by his wife and three children for Sunday's ride, said he's traveled extensively in the United States and has yet to find a city that matches Boulder when it comes to providing safe routes for bicyclists.

"This is incredible, what we have," he said.

The ride offered a self-guided tour of the ins and outs of the city's extensive, interconnected bike trail system. Participants chose either a 12-mile "180" tour or a 23-mile "360" tour.

"It's a great way for people to get out of their cars and on their bikes," said ride coordinator Melinda Gillespie.

Sunday's riders didn't need much convincing about the virtues of biking.

Christa Wilson, who lives and works in Lafayette and came to ride with her parents, said she bikes to work because she doesn't want to spend money on a car and gas. Weekends often will find her taking advantage of Boulder's bike trails.

A veteran of the Circle Boulder bike ride, she said the event helped her find all the Boulder trails.

"It's fun and very family-friendly," she said.

Boulder's Ali Yager said her family uses bikes to avoid getting in the car and on traffic-congested roads. Biking is often just as quick.

"I bike a lot," said her 8-year-old daughter, Eliza Yager. "My parents want me to and, when I have nothing else to do, it's fun."

Sunday's ride ended with a party that included free ice cream, burritos, bagels, fruit and music. Along with the grub, ride sponsors also provided water bottles and raffle items, including a tricked-out bike as the grand prize.

Before the ride, children tested their skills at a "bike rodeo" hosted by Community Cycles, a nonprofit bicycle advocacy organization and this year's coordinator of Walk & Bike Month.

Children took their bikes through a short, grassy course that included a railroad crossing, stop sign and two small wood ramps -- with a reward of neon bike stickers and applause waiting at the end.

Jason DeGeorge, 6, and Max Kreidl, 5, took several turns through the course. The self-described "bike experts" ride to school most days.

"It's fun and it's good for the habitat," Jason said.

Also tackling the course with ease were 8-year-old Patrick Yohn and his younger brother, 5-year-old Mateo. Their mom, Linda Yohn, said the two spend a lot of time on their bikes in the summer, making the "rodeo" a fun way to review safe-riding rules.

"They get a little rambunctious," she said. "It's good for them to hear about safety from someone other than mom and dad."

Contact Camera Staff Writer Amy Bounds at 303-473-1341 or boundsa@dailycamera.com.