I'm not fast. So don't get the wrong idea when I tell you I've run three marathons. I'm no great athlete. It doesn't take a great athlete to run a marathon, just a patient, committed one.

And if you can pull it off, running a marathon can change your life. Your whole notion of what you're capable of is exploded. That's going to be especially true for those who complete the mountainous gut check that is the inaugural Blue Ridge Marathon on the Blue Ridge Parkway next Saturday.

But here's the truth of it: Running a marathon may seem like a solitary, even lonely, accomplishment, but it really rests upon the aid of friends, family, and a bunch of complete strangers. Many are race volunteers who staff water stops and keep traffic off the course.

But many more are people who just show up to watch -- especially if they know how to be a good marathon spectator. Sure, you could just holler encouragement while making asides to your neighbor about the insanity of those running by. But you could also do so much more.

Roanokers don't have much experience at this kind of thing. So, I thought I'd pass on some wisdom that will help runners in the Blue Ridge Marathon feel as much love and support in this inaugural race as in any other -- and hopefully, a lot more.

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You are invited to join Roanoke Mayor David Bowers for the Mayor's Bike Ride on Saturday, May 1. The ride departs from 210 Reserve Ave. and takes cyclists 2.5 miles to the Mayor's Monument in Elmwood Park. Sign-in begins at 9:30 a.m., followed by the Mayor's welcome, the presentation of Bicycle Friendly Awards, and group pictures. The ride begins at approximately 10:30 a.m. Escorted trips back to the Reserve Avenue starting point will leave every half-hour from the Mayor's Monument until 1 p.m.

The Mayor's Bike Ride celebrates Bike Month, and encourages cyclists of all ages and experience levels to visit downtown, including the Historic City Market, as well as the annual Strawberry Festival and Chili Cookoff, both taking place May 1.