It's quiet. No cars on the road. Imagine your family's exhilaration when pedaling through deserted streets with the strange light of the moon defining the course for you and, of course, the million twinkling lights of downtown Denver!

It's the 2006 Kaiser Permanente Moonlight Classic, which takes place Saturday, August 26, giving bike riders of all ages and abilities the opportunity to enjoy the lunar splendor of Denver at night.

"The Moonlight Classic is such a fascinating way to see Denver," said Peter Downing, a Washington Park resident who has biked with his wife and two children in the Moonlight Classic for the last four years. "My kids love it."

As the new sponsor of the Moonlight Classic, Kaiser Permanente is challenging parents and grandparents to do exactly what Downing does - pack up the bikes and bring the whole family to the Moonlight Classic. Kaiser Permanente issued a Multi-Generational Challenge to encourage families to ride together. Prizes will be awarded to families with the youngest rider, oldest rider, most family members and most generations riding.

"Denver is a different place at night," Downing said. "The Moonlight Classic is great for families because you have the streets to yourself. It's quiet because there are no cars. You hear only the sound of pedaling. The kids think it's a riot because they get to have a burrito in the middle of the night when they finish."

Downing's 14-year-old daughter Ellen agreed with her dad. "It's so cool riding around Denver at midnight, in the dark, and getting all kinds of free food," she said.

This year's Kaiser Permanente Moonlight Classic features a family start time of 10:30 p.m. to make it easier for children to participate and a "Gonzo" start time of 11:30 p.m. for those enthusiastic riders who want to spend the night riding under the stars. The 15- and 8-mile courses both start and finish at the Colorado State Capitol, touring Lodo, downtown and Cherry Creek. Stations throughout the course will offer snacks, music and lots of fun.

The Kaiser Permanente Moonlight Classic is a great way for families to have a good time and support a good cause. The ride benefits Seniors Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting independence and enriching the quality of life as we age. Established in 1969, Seniors Inc. provides a variety of services to Colorado baby boomers, seniors and their families.

For more information and registration, visit www.moonlight-classic.com or call 303-282-9020.