I want to ride my bicycle

See the “coolest cycling adventure in the world” this weekend when pro and amateur cyclists compete in the 14th Annual Tour de Nez. The three-day celebration of cycling has expanded to include bike races in Truckee and Tahoe City. The festival kicks off June 22 with the pro time trial in Verdi and continues in Truckee with the pro criterium race, kids’ race, Fat Tire Clunker Classic (where participants race bikes weighing more than 35 pounds) and concludes with a block party in downtown Truckee. The fun continues June 23 in Lake Tahoe with the Tahoe City Road Race, a bike expo, the Clunker Classic, kids’ race and an after-race beach party. Then the activities move back to Reno, where the Tour de Nez originated as an anniversary celebration of the Deux Gros Nez coffee house. The Tour de Nez Century Ride kicks off at 8 a.m. June 24. Other highlights that day include the Bike Messenger & Alley Cat Races, the Clunker Classic, kid’s race and the U.S. Handcycling Federation National Championships Criterium. Pro cyclists zoom through the streets of downtown Reno for the Mighty Tour de Nez Criterium at 6 p.m. The after-race party, which includes live music, belly dancing, food, beer and mint juleps, closes the weekend celebration at 8 p.m. at Wingfield Park, First Street and Arlington Avenue. Call 287-3599 or visit www.tourdenez.com for a complete schedule.