Want to ride my bicycle

The Tour de France is like a muse.

It inspired Freddie Mercury to pen “Bicycle Race,” popularized those Livestrong wristbands and made tight colorful spandex the attire of choice for commuting professionals. (OK, so maybe it doesn’t always inspire good things.)

Now, Sacramentans are feeling the power of inspiration with the inaugural, you guessed it, Tour de Sacramento. Sure, there won’t be a heroic ride through the Champs-Élysées, a grueling climb up Mont Ventoux or Lance Armstrong. And it’s not a competitive event such as the Tour of California. Think of it as, well, a tour of Sacramento—on a bike.

The tour will have cycling activities along city streets and bike trails to landmarks, businesses and food spots with an expert cycle coach from July 4 to July 26. Plus, it benefits Cycles 4 Hope and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Sacramento. Although there is no kick-ass loot at the finish, participants get special prizes just by showing up to all scheduled rides.

If riding through the streets of Sac has your multicolored spandex in a bunch, start off with Critical Mass this Friday. Bicyclists, and sometimes rollerbladers and skateboarders, meet the last Friday of every month to roll through the streets en masse. It’s pretty awesome. But if you ask me, it needs a little French twist. How about Le Critical Mass de Midtown? Feel free to wear your aerodynamic helmets and yellow wristbands to get in the mood.