Teri’s Notebook: Bike rides and dancing in Carson City

For the ninth year, the Bike Habitat on Topsy Lane is hosting the Tour of Carson, a nearly 30-mile bike ride around the perimeter of the city.

Partnering with Muscle Powered, Denis Coyne, the owner of the Bike Habitat, organizes the annual ride to celebrate the store’s anniversary.

Typically, the ride, which falls on the first Sunday of May, also kicks off the events scheduled in recognition of national Bike Month. However, this year Carson City is delaying the celebration of Bike Month to June in order to coincide with the Carson City Off-Road — the third event in the Epic Rides Off-Road Series.

Carson City will host the nationally recognized mountain bike race, expected to bring a $15 million boost to the local economy over five years, June 17-19.

I’ve never ridden with the Tour of Carson because it’s always on a Sunday and I regularly have church commitments that day. But I‘ve ridden the course, and it’s pretty cool to see the entire city from the vantage point of a bicycle.

And I know Denis. He’s helped me with so many of my bike-related problems and concerns. He’s super knowledgable and friendly — never makes me feel dumb, even when I am.

The signups for the ride begin at 9 a.m. with the ride beginning at 9:30 from the Bike Habitat, 911 Topsy Lane, No. 238. The ride is free and lunch is served at the shop at the end of the ride.

For more information, go to bikehabitat.com or call 775-267-5053.

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Another upcoming event that looks like fun is the Night of Vintage Swing and Blues presented by the Northern Nevada Lindy Hoppers at Yaple’s Ballroom Dance Studio, 315 N. Carson St., on May 7.

Clay and Cullen Mitchell have regularly taught vintage dance classes but have taken a break following the birth of their baby. They are back for one night only.

The night will start at 6:30 p.m. with Jitterbug lessons for all age and skill levels beginning at 7 p.m.

A dance party will follow for lindy, blues, Charleston, shag, balboa and more.

Again, I’ve never participated in this — mostly because I’m pretty sure I’d humiliate myself. But I’ve seen the Mitchells dance together, and it’s a delight to behold.

Watching them is like watching joy in motion.

It’s $10 for the entire night.

Teri Vance is a journalist, freelance writer and native Nevadan. Contact her with column ideas at terivance@rocketmail.com.