Bicyclists will have a chance to see the many trails Ames has to offer during the third annual Ames Mayor’s Bike Ride, an event to support bicycling in the city.

“It was created for the purpose of promoting the Ames bike path system,” said Mayor Larry Curtis.

Sometimes people do not get to see many of the paths if they only bicycle around their home area, he said, but this gives the city a chance to increase awareness of the Ames bicycle path system. It also promotes health, fitness and bicycle safety, he said.

The ride, which starts and finishes at Brookside Park, takes place on Saturday, May 4, with a rain date of May 5. Breakfast will be served at 10 a.m. and the ride begins at 11a.m.

The ride features three events. The first is an 8.7-mile loop of Ames bike paths. This is the event in which Curtis said he will be riding.

Another bike ride is the 14-mile loop, which includes the new Bloomington Road bike path and will pass the Friends of Central Iowa Biking garage sale at 1500 Truman Drive.

A 2.5-mile loop through Iowa State’s central campus enables children on bikes with training wheels, handicapped people in wheelchairs and families with strollers to participate.

Curtis said, “We try to support the needs of everyone from small children to adults.”

All proceeds from the bike ride will go toward further development of bike paths in Ames, said Jan McKee, chair of the Ames Mayor’s Bike Ride.

A police escort will enhance safety for bikers, especially for areas where bicyclists must occasionally ride on a traveled part of the street. Barricades will also placed for safety.

Sag and repair vehicles will be provided by Two Wheel Travel, 300 Main St., and FreshAire Delivery Service.

Last year, approximately 115 riders participated. McKee said, “We’re already at over three times the participation we had last year.”

A raffle will be held afterward to give away a Trek 830 mountain bike donated by Michael’s Cyclery Ski and Fitness, located at 320 Main St. Riders will also get a free picnic lunch, popcorn and the opportunity to participate in drawings for 18 helmets and 20 one-month memberships to area fitness clubs.

McKee said Des Moines Register columnist Chuck Offenburger and ISU Head Basketball Coach Tim Floyd will participate in the bike ride.

Registration ends April 27 and costs $5 for children under 13 and $6 for adults. Forms are available at area businesses, the Ames Public Library, 515 Douglas Ave., and City Hall, 515 Clark Ave.

Those who fail to register early can still register the day of the ride for $8, with children registering for $6, but cannot participate in the drawings. Those who register early will receive a free t-shirt.