The Trails and Open Space Coalition will host its largest fundraiser of the year Saturday: the 22nd annual Starlight Spectacular, a 16- to 24-mile nighttime bike ride around the Garden of the Gods. T-shirts and goodie bags will be given with registration; however, there is a limited supply.

In the past eight years, the average number of participants has been around 1,400 riders. The event has raised nearly $50,000 each year, said Vince Cloward, program director at the Trails and Open Space Coalition,

Participants will be required to wear helmets and have front and back lights for their bikes. Cloward said there will be a limited number of helmets participants will be able to borrow and lights for sale. Criterium Bicycles will be providing some helmets and lights as well as technical support for those who might need help fixing their bikes before or during the ride. Ted’s Bicycles and Old Town Bike Shop will also be providing technical support, according to Cloward.

Nic Ponsor, owner of Criterium Bicycles, said his bike shop has been involved with the Starlight Spectacular since it started.

“We like to be involved with the community and try to help out,” Ponsor said. “Any of the bicycle-related nonprofit organizations that kind of help either advocate for cycling or further the sport, we’re always trying to help all those people.”

The Starlight Spectacular is a great event for families and cyclists of all skill levels because the whole purpose is having fun and not racing, Ponsor said.

In past years there have been several themes that people were encouraged to dress up for, such as hippie, steam-punk and galaxy. This year the theme is outer space and, though it’s not required, dressing space-themed can result in winning the costume contest. Cloward said he will be selecting judges from the sponsors at the event.

Not only can participants dress up for the theme, the two rest stops on the course will be decorated. The rest stops will be operated by REI and the Colorado Springs Cycling Club.

DETAILS

Ride starts at 10:30 p.m. Saturday at Garden of the Gods Visitor Center, 1805 N. 30th St. Registration available until the day of. Tickets: $47, adults; $27, children; $42, seniors and active military; children under 6 are free. Team ticket prices range depending on the number of riders.