NATCHEZ — A group of southern belles strapped on their helmets and took to the streets Saturday for the annual Belles on Bikes event.

Around 50 female riders came together on the corner of Main and Broadway streets to set off on their respective journeys.

Many of the riders were repeat participants, Natchez Bike Club president Allen Richard said, but there were some new faces as well.

Natchez native Jennifer Hale said this year’s event was her first.

“I just started riding (last year),” Hale said. “I became a member of the Natchez Bike Club and wanted to come support (the club) and ride. I (came out) to have a good ride with a lot of people.”

The event featured some new riders from out of town, as well. April Solloway and Kelly McBride came from Brandon to ride.

“We have never been to Natchez, and this is a really good way to see the city,” McBride said. “I’m (anxious) to see if I can bike 50 miles.”

McBride also stressed the importance of being able to enjoy the company of female bikers.

Jennifer Giambrone, from Napoleanville, La., said she heard about the event last winter at Stan’s Rock and Roll Bike Shop in Natchez, and she came with her riding team, the Praying Pedalers, to participate.

One of the repeat participants was Dianne Dehart of Jackson. She said this was her third straight year to participate in Belles on Bikes.

“I love this ride, it’s just one of my favorite rides,” Dehart said.

The ladies had the option of four different distances to ride Saturday. Rides were approximately 16 miles, 28 miles, 48 miles and 57 miles through downtown and along the Natchez Trace.

Richard said the timing of the event is great because once the ladies return they can get their lunch, which was included in their $40 registration fees, and then attend Blues Fest which was going on just yards away from the start of the ride.

The registration fee also included a goody bag and door prizes for the riders as well as an optional mint julep.

Also included was the chance to participate in a co-ed bike tour of downtown Natchez at 6 p.m. Friday.

With the Belles on Bikes ride being women only, Richard said after he started the women on their rides, there was not much left for him to do.

“I’ll (just) worry about everybody on the course,” he said.

Richard said the riders would have support groups along the way to provide them with water and any other assistance they made need. Also, an EMT was on hand in case an accident occurred.

Attendance was down some for this year’s ride because of other events going on around the southeast and a possible lack of promotion this year on the part of the Natchez Bike Club, Richard said.

But the riders that did participate were treated to beautiful weather and a great atmosphere for their ride, Richard said.

Some of the sites on the courses included the downtown Natchez, the Elizabeth Female Academy, Emerald Mound and the historic Christ Church.