Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. Second St., is hosting their fifth annual Ride Like An Egyptian bike ride on Saturday.

Alex Nerad, executive director of the Egyptian Theatre, said four 25 mile routes will be offered.

The bike ride begins at 10 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m. with an end of the day meal for the riders at the theater. There will be a central rest stop at the Novak Center in Maple Park, Ill. where all the 25 mile routes loop through. At the rest stop, there will be bike support to help riders and teach them about bike safety.

The event began in September 2008 and was co-founded by Barb Josh. Josh was involved with the theater and was approached by a co-worker with the idea.

“One of my co-workers used to do a lot of cycling at the time,” Josh said. He knew I was involved with the theater and approached me with the idea of a bike ride to help raise money for the theater.”

Due to many counties not allowing for organized bike rides, it has brought many people from the surrounding areas to come for the event over the years.

“Most of our riders come from the Fox Valley and Chicago areas,” Josh said. “Due to most counties having laws restricting bike riding events, people are excited that there is a biking event nearby that they can participate in.”

A few people from Iowa, Missouri and Wisconsin have signed up for this year’s event as well.

“The best part about the event is having so many people come into the theater that have necessarily never been here before and can learn about all that we have to offer here at the Egyptian Theatre,” Nerad said. “It helps get our name more known beyond the DeKalb county area.”

Derek Gibbs, membership and marketing director of the Egyptian Theatre, said he feels it is beneficial for children to get involved in the event.

“I think it’s a cool way to get younger people involved,” Gibbs said. “We do have a bike tech at the rest stop, so it is a way for kids to learn something while they enjoy the afternoon with their parents.”