For my third year in a row, I have not been disappointed! Riding in the annual Kaiser Permanente Moonlight Classic is a blast! With well over 4,000 riders, 44 costume entries, and 160 gallons of Caribou Coffee, we are ready. It has become a tradition for me now, to spend the weekend in Denver to ride in the Moonlight Classic. I even got my own bell for my bike and next year I plan on wearing a costume (the winner of the costume contest wins a new bike).

This year we stayed at The Brown Palace, and our corner room had a perfect view of the Capitol. At about 9:30 PM, I check out the window and start to see bikers streaming towards it. My excitement is building! I gather up my helmet and backpack and make my way to get my bike. With front and back lights on, we make our way to the crowd.

It’s just great to see so many people, young and old, crazy and sane, riding to benefit Seniors Inc. One of the announcers warned, “Those of you who are pirating the event: Shame on you! You’re ripping off your grandparents!” I just had to laugh. Not only at the comment, but at the costumes and the bikes and the onlookers. There are people everywhere! My personal favorite was the woman dressed as Elliot from E.T., complete with E.T. in her bike basket! And I loved riding next to bikers that had their iPods plugged into speakers so we could all ride to the beat.

After finishing either a 7-mile or 15-mile ride, we’re welcomed back with a warm breakfast from the volunteers. Don’t let the distance intimidate you – it’s a ride, not a race. There are rest stops every few miles with a band playing and plenty of drinks and snacks to nosh on. The course is mainly flat, and there are so many people, you couldn’t go too fast if you wanted to. And the streets are blocked off from traffic with plenty of police keeping an eye on things.

By about 3:00 AM, my husband and I are ready to head back to our hotel, conveniently located only a few blocks away in Downtown Denver. We sleep in as long as possible, then head over to The Corner Office for brunch. They have the most fabulous Strawberry Cheesecake Waffles! So there go all those calories I just worked off. Take advantage of their Bloody Mary Bar and Bottomless Memo-sas, perfect for the day after. The rest of the day is all about sleeping in the air-conditioned hotel. For dinner, don’t miss out on absolute gourmet at Rioja in LODO. Rioja was a treat; I had the Seared Sea Scallops, which were perfect. The server brings over a tray of fresh baked breads for you to choose from: Rosemary Sourdough, Goat Cheese, Olive, you name it. We’ll definitely be making our way back.

So start planning for next year to attend the Moonlight Classic. Make a full weekend out of it and explore Downtown Denver’s shops and restaurants. The previous years’ dates had been in August, but they had changed it this year due to the Democratic Convention. I was told that they were considering leaving the race in July because of the positive feedback they’ve received. Count me in for the 17th annual ride! Hope to see you there!

Check it out at www.moonlight-classic.com.

Photo Courtesy of Moonlight Classic / Scot Henderson

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