The 20th annual Saint Paul Classic Bike Tour kicked off Sunday morning outside O’Shaughnessy Science Hall.

This year, students ages 18-22 were able to register for the Classic for $20 with their school ID, which is less than half of the normal $48 fee. Six thousand cyclists registered for the 15-, 30- or 45-mile loop that began and ended at St. Thomas.

Although there was a large turnout, Patty Soldner, Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota events manager, said they’ve had more participants in past years.

“We are bigger this year than last year, but this wasn’t our biggest year,” Soldner said. “I heard rumor that before I started, one year had between 7,000 and 7,500 (cyclists).”

Sophomore Jenna Lorence biked 30 miles with her dad, brother, sister and three friends.

“The ride was beautiful,” Lorence said. “It was a great bonding opportunity for my family and friends.”

The Classic benefits the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota by promoting bicycle education, advocacy and efforts to make cycling friendlier and safer for Minnesotans.

Carlee Hackl can be reached at hack9822@stthomas.edu.