Nighttime Denton bike rides becoming increasingly popular

by Jordan Foster of North Texas Daily

Red flashing lights float above the asphalt as the creaking of foot pedals and rusty chains pierce the silence.

Every Tuesday night, a swarm of bicyclists take to the streets of Denton, riding with sporadic shouts and buzzing tires.

The group meets at 9:30 p.m. outside the Language building.

Carson Coldiron, a business sophomore, said that the group gives riders the opportunity to enjoy the camaraderie and strength in numbers.

The night ride’s popularity has increased throughout the years. Regulars said they have seen as many as 120 bikes at one time.

The formation at times resembles a Tour de France style, mixed with the freedom of riding on sidewalks.

Coldiron said that every rider carries a “just ride” attitude.

“I really enjoy the ride, it’s a good, positive way to have fun and meet new people,” Coldiron said. “I don’t remember exactly how I found out about the ride, I think it was from my buddy who had a friend who was involved.”

Many in the group have been riding together since they were freshmen at UNT and some continue to ride even after graduation.

Andy Wherry, UNT alumnus, said the night ride is a tradition in which he likes to take part.

“I was drawn to it just like everyone is drawn to the bike and a mob mentality of let’s just all get together and do it,” Wherry said. “I kind of ran into it when I was riding through town and saw this huge swarm of bicyclists. I had a good time.”

The routes vary from week to week. Some nights, the route has taken the group as far as from the Language building to the Denton Airport on Airport Road.

The bikes on the excursion come in all sorts — everything from track bikes, race bikes, cruisers and custom bikes. Each bike dons its own colors, design and age.

“Some bikes are put together like Frankenstein,” Wherry said. “You’ll see everything from race bikes to double-deckers.”