Saddle up, Auburn, May is here: It's Bike Month

May has arrived, and with it comes the annual celebration that turns our beloved city into a two-wheeled wonderland. National Bike Month is in full swing, and the Auburn Trails Alliance has packed the calendar with events, challenges and community gatherings designed to get everyone – from beginners cruisers to seasoned trail shredders – out on their bikes and into the sunshine. Whether you are a daily commuter, a weekend trail warrior or someone who just dusted off their bike, this May is your month. The fun started last weekend with the Bike Month Kick-Off Party at the Auburn Bike Park. Spectators of all ages enjoyed a show of serious skills on the jumps, pump track and even a bunny hop competition organized by Bicycle Emporium. And even though that has passed, there is still plenty of fun to be had. Auburn Trails Alliance has partnered with Auburn Ale House and their Pints with a Purpose program to offer a Wednesday Night Speaker Series every Wednesday in May. Come grab dinner or a drink and learn about different topics such as e-biking and bike-packing presented by local bike shops. They've even added an evening for the runners with a presentation by Hal Hall and Craig Thornley about the history of the Western States Endurance Run. Through the Pints with a Purpose program, a portion of all food and drink sales every Wednesday in May benefits Auburn Trails Alliance. If you're looking to celebration Bike Month with more rides, join the month-long riding challenge. Simply create a free Strava profile, join the Auburn Trails Alliance Strava Club and ride throughout May. Trails, roads, to school, to work, around the block – every mile and every trip counts. The more you ride, the higher you climb on the leaderboards. Top performers in multiple categories will be recognized and awarded prizes at the May 30 block party. Don't have a bike? Don't worry. A-Town Bikes – a beloved local bike (and pickleball) shop – has donated a new Velotric Discover 2 e-bike as the grand prize for the May 30 block party raffle. This sleek commuter e-bike is designed for exactly the kind of riding Auburn has to offer: cruising neighborhood streets, shopping at Farmers Market, enjoying events around town and getting to wherever you're going with a big grin on your face. Stop by A-Town Bikes to see this beauty in person. Speaking of block party – mark your calendars and clear your Saturday evening for the May 30 Trivia Night and Raffle Block Party on Hoffman Ave. Head down between Old Town Pizza and Two Ass Brewing Company to enjoy a block party complete with food and drink, live music, digital trivia, free bike valet and Auburn's best raffle with prizes sure to delight any lucky winner. Prizes include gear from Garmin, Shokz and Kuat, private mountain biking lessons from A Singletrack Mind, shuttle passes for Downieville and Mt. Hough, Wine and Ale Trail Passports, OARS River Rafting trips, local gift cards, donations from local businesses such as Victory Velo Bicycle Shop, Auburn Clay Arts Studio, Heidi Garner, Joe Bernall, FLOOF Cotton Candy, the Baker and the Cakemaker, Crooked Lane Brewing Co. and so much more. And don't forget the grand prize e-bike donated by A-Town Bikes. Follow Auburn Trails Alliance on Facebook and Instagram for real-time updates on events, prize announcements and Bike Month highlights throughout May. Visit AuburnTrailsAlliance.org to explore the full event calendar and find out exactly what's up for grabs in the raffle, including that Velotric Discover 2 e-bike from A-Town Bikes. For more information, visit AuburnTrailsAlliance.org or follow @AuburnTrailsAlliance on Facebook and Instagram. Jackie Silverman is an Auburn Trails Alliance board member.