FOLEY, Ala. — More than 200 cycling enthusiasts wheeled their way to downtown Foley this past weekend for the 2013 Baldwin Bicycle Fest.

The event kicked off at 8 a.m. Saturday at Heritage Park and included rides ranging from 16-72 miles and a 3-mile fun ride.

According to organizers, the single launch is streamlined in comparison to last year, when each category of the ride was started separately.

“There was a little confusion last year,” said Rick Blackwell of Foley Lions Club, which presented the event with Baldwin County Trailblazers.

But that’s just one adjustment made for the festival. It began in 2009 as Le Tour de Foley and has expanded to include bike-themed festival activites, programs and vendor booths.

In addition, the name of the event changed this year to reflect that all of Baldwin County is welcome.

“Our goal is to make this a premiere event in Baldwin County,” said Trailblazers President Valerie DeLaney. “It’s a growing sport and it’s great for families.”

According to Bay Minette cyclist Mike Busbin, it’s already an enjoyable experience.

“It’s perfect,” he said after completing his ride. “It couldn’t be better.”

Saturday’s festival included a bicycling fashion show, a kid’s bike rodeo, presentations from BRATS about loading a bicycle onto the public transportation bus, presentations on bicycle laws, vendors and children’s activities.

According to DeLaney, plans are in the works to incorporate the Foley’s planned new and upgraded bicycle paths into the routes.

Proceeds from the festival were split between Trailblazers, which is currently working on efforts to place cycling trails throughout the county, and Foley Lions, which provides a number of community services, including scholarships for Foley High School seniors and eyeglasses for those in need.