Ask bicycle enthusiasts what the big attraction is to their hobby and most have a ready answer.

“I just like the ability to ride around and see the scenery,” Keith Bland said.

Bland, an Air Force captain who teaches in the ROTC program at Kansas University, is one of hundreds of riders taking part in this weekend’s annual Octoginta events sponsored by the Lawrence Bicycle Club.

About 80 enthusiasts rode in Saturday morning’s Tour De County through Douglas County, then had lunch at Free State Brewing Co., 636 Mass.

Saturday’s riders represented a varied age group and included visitors from out of town. Among them was Bruce Whiteley, his wife, Nancy, both 63, and friend Jessie Gilbert, 43, all of Salina.

“We just ride for the ride,” said Bruce Whiteley, who also said he has ridden across Kansas 14 times.

Both Bruce Whiteley and Gilbert started riding to stay in shape.

“If you can find something you like that is good for you, then go for it,” Gilbert said.

Gilbert and the Whiteleys also were among those browsing tables of bicycle gear at Saturday afternoon’s cycle swap in South Park. Displayed on about a dozen tables were bicycle seats, frames, gears, brakes — you name it.

“A lot of guys build their bikes from scratch, and this is a good event to get parts at a good price,” said John Flynn, Lawrence, who manned one of the tables.

A group of bicyclists pedal east on Kansas Highway 32 toward the intersection with Leavenworth County Road 1 and a route south to Eudora. The cyclists were participating Saturday in the 30-mile Tour de County, one of the weekend's annual Octoginta events in Lawrence. This morning's 40- and 80-mile Octoginta rides start at 8:30 in South Park.

Keith Dick, vice president of the cycling club, took the opportunity to shop. Among the items he picked up was a $15 bicycle seat.

“If this was brand new it would cost about $75,” Dick said. “If I don’t like it I can always bring it back next time and sell it for $10.”

Octoginta organizers say more people are becoming interested in cycling.

“I think Lawrence is becoming more and more bicycle friendly,” bicycle club president Randy Breeden said. “This morning we had some parents who were riding with their 5-year-old kids.”

The events continue today, starting at 8:30 a.m.

¢ Food, friendship mark fall’s first cycling trek (10-06-02)¢ More stories about bicycling¢ Lawrence Bicycle Club

Riders can choose from a 40-mile or 80-mile trek, which start at South Park.

As of 3 p.m. Saturday, nearly 400 people had signed up to ride in today’s events and registrations were still being taken.

Today’s rides
¢ 7 a.m. registration at South Park for 80- and 40-mile rides. The long route will be around Lone Star and Clinton lakes. The shorter route goes to Bloomington Beach at Clinton and back. Rides start at 8:30 a.m.
¢ First break: breakfast with eggs and french toast. Lunch break: sandwiches and soup.