Five Reasons Not to Miss the ‘Worst Day of the Year Bike Ride’

It really is the "Worst Day Of The Year" bike ride. This event marks the unofficial start of the bicycling season. Granted, our winter in Western Colorado has been a joke, but that's no reason why we can't say goodbye to Old Man Winter and fire up the bikes. Here are five reasons why you dare not miss this event.

This 27-mile loop sets out from the Western Colorado Botanical Gardens Saturday, February 28 at 9 am.

Your fellow bike enthusiasts will be out in force to cheer you on. If you still need convincing, then here is a short list of why it is imperative you ride.

• You'll be an inspiration to other people to start cycling
• It will get you on your bike a little earlier this year, and motivate you to ride all year.
• You'll be putting our local trails to good use.
• The ride will give you quality time with the entire family.
• You'll be supporting Homeward Bound, the local homeless shelter.

The ride is open to riders ages 13 to 99 -- I say we go get a 100-year-old and see if they'll let us register them -- the ride starts at the Botanical Gardens and riders will pedal their way to Gene Taylor's in Fruita.

Once there, a chili lunch awaits to replenish all that fuel you used.

Registration fee is $25 per rider, you can register with the Grand Junction Parks and Rec by calling 254-FUNN, or email at gjparksandrec@gjcity.org.