Cruisin’ through the city

More than 100 cyclists turned out for the annual Cruiser Ride through downtown Carson City on Wednesday evening.

“It’s exciting,” said Jackie Florence. “I haven’t ridden this bike in two years. This is motivating me to do it.”

The ride is one of several events planned throughout May in recognition of National Bike Month.

“It helps bring awareness in the community for biking,” said Jeff Moser, who is organizing the activities through Muscle Powered. “We get more and more people each year.”

Muscle Powerd, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a more walkable, bikeable city, is hosting an array of activities, including a commuter challenge this week as part of Bike to Work Week.

While Wednesday’s ride is officially dubbed the “cruiser ride,” cyclists pedaled the 4.5-mile course on all makes and models.

“Cruising is more about the speed and attitude on this ride,” Moser said. “We’re be going nowhere fast, and having a good time doing it.”

Mary Crawley dressed in Steam Punk from the early 1900s and rode a 1967 Schwinn.

“This will be her first long ride,” Crawley said. “I had her looked at, so we should be good.”

Just this week Paula Gotchy got her hands on an old marching band hat from Carson High School, the same kind she wore to march in the parade for the inauguration of Jimmy Carter in 1977.

She wore it, along with a blue tutu.

“I love it,” she said. “This is my helmet.”

The week will culminate Friday with Bike to Work Day. Most local coffee shops will offer cyclists, who present a bicycle helmet as proof, a free brew that morning.

The Bike to Work Week Party will be at the Firkin & Fox after work, where participants can revel with fellow bikers, enjoy a cold brew, listen to live music from Notch 8.

Prizes will also be raffled off, including a new bike.