Starlight Spectacular expects at least 1,200

       More than 1,200 people are expected to join the 14th annual Starlight Spectacular bicycle ride starting just before midnight Saturday, June 21.
       Registrations will be taken until shortly before departure time at the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center. If more than 1,232 riders sign up, it will break last year's participation record, according to Dan Cleveland, executive director of the Trails and Open Space Coalition, which organizes the non-competitive wheeled sojourn.
       Different route options are possible, ranging from a basically flat 14-mile trek to a hill-challenging 25 miles. Much of the ride is on Westside streets. The main route goes north on 30th Street, east on Garden of the Gods Road, south on Chestnut Street, east on Fontanero Street, then south on different streets east of the interstate before turning west on Colorado Avenue. The route from there continues along the avenue through Old Colorado City. At 30th Street, riders can choose between a straight shot up to the Visitor Center or putting in extra miles through the Garden.
       “Riders of all ages and abilities are encouraged,” reads a press release from the Trails and Open Space Coalition.
       One requirement is that bikes need to be outfitted with headlights.
       Starlight Spectacular festivities will begin at the center at 10 p.m., with live music by the band, Pulpit Fiction.
       All the riders don't leave simultaneously at 11:59; they take off in delayed waves of 50 to 100 riders each, Cleveland explained.
       A breakfast will be provided to participants at the center after the ride.
       For the second straight year, one of the ride's rest stops will be at Bancroft Park.
       Registration costs include $40 for adults, with discounts for military members, seniors and children, and an $80 cost for families of four or less.
       Additional information can be found at the website (starlightspectacular.org) or by calling the Coalition office at 633-6884.

Westside Pioneer article