Pedal party cruises in

(Files/The Columbian)

Riders can select from a variety of routes that are part of the Ride Around Clark County event.

(The Columbian, Janet L. Mathews)

More than 1,000 cyclists from all around Washington and Oregon are expected to gear up May 2 for a family-friendly Ride Around Clark County that will take many participants to Lacamas Lake and hard-core riders as far as rural Yacolt and Amboy.

In its 26th year, the Ride Around Clark County attracts riders ranging from toddlers to septuagenarians, said Corey Rose, president of Vancouver Bike Club, which hosts the event. Participants ride at their own pace along their choice of four routes ranging from 18 to 100 miles. All the routes start and end at Clark College.

Rose said the turnout depends on the weather.

"It's the first local big ride of the year," he said. "We always hope for (sun)."

Vancouver Bike Club board member Lauren Baker said the Ride Around Clark County doubles as a fundraiser for the organization and a way to encourage seasoned and novice cyclists alike to "get out and enjoy riding together."

It's also a great way to introduce riders to rural east county, she added.

"Clark County has some gorgeous areas and our routes go through several of them," said Baker, who pedaled the 65-mile loop last year. "I liked going around Lacamas Lake and Hockinson, through woodsy farmland with rolling hills.

"This time of year things are full bloom and there are sheep in the fields. It's just really pretty."

Cyclists can gulp lemonade and energy drinks and stock up on carbs and vitamins with fresh fruit, bagels, red potatoes and cookies dispensed at rest stops. Massage therapists will be available at the Clark College finish line on a fee basis after the ride. Ride Around Clark County T-shirts will be available for $15 on the day of the ride as supplies last.

Restrooms, assistance and free refreshments are available at the start and finish, as well as at rest stops at Lacamas Lake, Daybreak Park and Moulton Falls, depending on the route.

Mechanics will also be available along the route to perform minor bike repairs.

Youngsters are encouraged to come along for the ride, whether being towed in a trailer or pedaling alongside grown-ups.

"Almost anyone can ride 18 miles on easy terrain," Baker said. "An experienced rider may do that in an hour to an hour and a half.

"A novice rider might take two or three hours. But that's OK; it's not a race, and there's a sense of accomplishment," she added.

Anyone who finds the distance is too much of a stretch for them can "bail out" and head back early with direction from maps provided by organizers, Baker said.

Participants are required to wear approved helmets during the entire ride. Headphones are prohibited. Organizers recommend participants wear warm clothing and rain gear and carry identification, a spare inner tube, patch kit, tire irons, pump, water bottles and extra money.

Rose said $1 of each Ride Around Clark County registration fee will be distributed among The Bicycle Transportation Alliance, The Bicycle Safety Coalition and The Bicycle Alliance of Washington, primarily to promote bicycle safety and awareness.

Event sponsors include River City Bicycles, Fishers Landing Shell, Carl's Jr., Bartolami's Pizzeria, Nature Bake, Road I.D., City of Parks and Recreation and Bicycling Magazine.