Despite early morning rain, 127 cyclists came to support the Egyptian Theatre during its fourth annual “Ride Like an Egyptian” bike-a-thon Saturday morning.

All proceeds for the event go to the Egyptian Theatre, enabling it to continue operations and maintenance, said Alex Nerad, Egyptian Theatre executive director.

“We’re a non-profit organization looking for new ways to raise funds for the theater, and this was a different and unique way,” Nerad said.

The bike-a-thon started at 10 a.m., though some riders started before that. The bike-a-thon offered four different routes: 25, 50, 75, and 100 miles.

“I really liked the back roads,” said cyclist Jamee Beggs. “The busier streets were intimidating, but riding the route was very well-marked. There was no problem following the directions.”

Some cyclists were not only at the bike-a-thon to get active, but also to support the theater.

“I like to be able to support a cause in maintaining the Egyptian Theatre,” Beggs said. “It makes me feel like I’m doing something good.”

Beggs said she went with her husband, Tom, to enjoy some time together. Saturday morning’s rain did not stop them from riding altogether, but it did affect how far they biked.

“We would have ridden farther if it wasn’t for the rain,” Beggs said. “Even though it rained, the temperature was nice for bike riding. It would have been harder if the temperature were in the mid-80s.”

Some participants, like Corrine Lawrence, also brought family along to the bike-a-thon. Lawrence brought her two children and said she enjoyed the bike ride, especially since the route was easy to follow.

“It was a great ride and well-marked,” Lawrence said. “It was also kid friendly, and I wanted to do it with my kids. Bike riding is a family event, and I’ll definitely come back next year.”

While many riders chose to do the 25-mile route, Diana Smith and her neighbor, Mary Beth Phill, took the 50-mile route.

“It was absolutely awesome,” Smith said. “We missed all the rain, so our timing was good. We started early and went to the area that didn’t have many clouds.”

As neighbors, Smith and Phill have ridden more than 5,000 miles every year for 10 years. For the bike-a-thon, they used a tandem bike.

“We love the tandem because we don’t have to yell at each other,” said Phill. “It was very nice and the miles just go by so fast because all you do is pedal and talk.”

One-hundred-twenty-seven participants willing to help support each year has a positive effect on the theater, Nerad said. Donations allow it to continue operating for another bike-a-thon next year.

“We continue to grow each year,” Nerad said. “We get a great response, and people thoroughly enjoy it.”