More than 750 cyclists push pedals for Bicycle Longmont's annual cruise
Sep. 19—Costume butterfly wings flapping in the breeze, Kimberly Melamed, of Longmont, coasted to a stop, alongside Rachael Maloney, who wore a sparkly black button-up top and a wig of curly black hair.
While Halloween is still more than a month away, the outfits were donned Saturday as part of the Lightshine Radler Ride. The eighth annual Bicycle Longmont cruise had more than 750 riders, many whom also busted out their costumes. Proceeds from the event supported Bicycle Longmont, a nonprofit group that seeks to help get more people on bikes more often through repurposing bicycles and donating them.
Melamed described the cruise Saturday as "tons of fun."
The cruise, formerly known as the G'Knight Ride, was renamed the Lightshine Radler Ride this year, following the announcement of sponsorship partner Wibby Brewing.
The Longmont brewery has a Lightshine Radler lager, giving the event its namesake. The bicycle routes started and finished at Wibby Brewing, giving people the chance to pedal a 2-, 5- or 13-mile-long course. All the routes followed much of Longmont's St. Vrain and Left Hand greenways. Along the way, there were stops for the riders, where they could get candy, prizes or play games.
Bicycle Longmont Board Member Scott Conlin said spirits were high throughout the day, as the cyclists pedaled through the city.
"On our side, I couldn't have asked for more from Wibby Brewing, they were fantastic," Conlin said.
He said a handful of riders started wearing costumes to the cruise years ago, and it's now become an integral part of the cruise.
"We want to encourage the crazy and everybody having a good time," Conlin said.
This year featured a costume contest. People who participated could also find a hand-built bike area, adult big wheel racing and a slowest race competition.
Colorful streamers flying from her helmet, Ana Conde, of Boulder, finished the cruise with her husband, Bryan Chu, and their two children, 3-year-old Niko Chu and 5-year-old Chloe Chu.
"It was fantastic," Conde said. "I think we will be coming back. We loved having some paths to follow."
She said one of the best parts was that their route wove past Dawson Farm Park, which has a BMX course. She said her kids gave the course two or three runs before they continued their route.
An extra bonus was getting a medal at the end for completing the course.
"Look!" Niko said, proudly holding up his prize.
Cyclist Clifton Railsback, of Longmont, rode the course with his two daughters, Annika, 11, and Sarah, 8, and one of their friends.
"It was really fun and really well-coordinated," Railsback said.
For Annika, the cruise was on her birthday. She said the ride was a fun way to celebrate, and she particularly liked the fun stops along the course. At one, riders got some flavor packets to mix into their water, which she approved of.
"It was very fun to do," Annika said.
