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I admit my pinkish purple bicycle has gotten a bit dusty sitting on my porch for the last few months.

Yes, I know...pink.

I don't fancy myself as a pink-kind-of-girl, but, hey, I got the bike for free from Bike Bakersfield. And the hardy Schwinn got me around the bike path several times last summer.

Maybe I'll bust it out to pay homage to my bike's source by attending some of the organization's Bike Month events in May.

And considering gas prices are OUTRAGEOUS right now and exercise is always good, some pedal power definitely wouldn't hurt.

Here's a rundown of the events:

• Tomorrow
  Third Annual Tour de Art
  University Square 2000 K St., 5 to 7 p.m.
  Art show and silent auction showcasing local donated art inspired by the excitement and joy of bicycling.
• Saturday
  Bike Bakersfield's First Saturday Ride
  Meet at Beach Park pathway entrance, 9 a.m.
  A casual ride, 10-12 mph. Helmets requested.
• Monday, May 12-16, May 19
  Commuter stands in the mornings
  Three stands along the Kern River Bike Path: Cal State Bakersfield, Yokuts Park and Beach Park, 6:30 to 8:30 a.m.
  Bike Bakersfield will be providing food and drinks to commuters.
• May 9
  Bike Valet @ Jazz Festival
  CSUB, 7 to 10:30 p.m.
  Free secure bike parking provided.
• May 14
  National Bike Month Celebration Picnic
  Jastro Park, noon
  Food provided by Jake’s Tex Mex. Members and friends welcome.
• May 15
  National Bike to Work Day
  Beach Park, 7 a.m.
  Local politicians and celebrities will ride to work, traveling downtown to Spotlight Theater.
  Ride to work and send your story to info@bikebakersfield.org.
• May 8 and 22
  Bike Polo and Movie Night
  Jastro Park, 6 to 7 p.m. for polo, 7:30 to 9 p.m. for movie
• May 18
  Kid Fit with Bakersfield City Recreation and Parks
  Silver Creek Community Center, 2 to 4 p.m.
  Bike games, children activities and safety training provided.
• May 18
  Third Annual Criterium Race
  Silver Creek Community Center, 1 to 4 p.m.
  Bike race held in conjunction with the Parks and Rec Kid Fit Activity
  Kid’s, citizen’s, men’s and women’s races
  Entry fees: Kids free, citizen’s $20, men/women $25
• May 20
  Full Moon Ride
  Meeting at the Park at River Walk
  Ride will begin at 8 p.m. and head west.
  A casual ride @ 10-12 mph. Helmets and lights required.
• May 29
  Ride of Silence
  Meeting at Town & Country Shopping Center (Gosford and Stockdale)
  Starting at 7 p.m. sharp
  A worldwide event to mourn cyclists injured or killed by motorists, to raise awareness of cyclists on the road and to have motorists know we only want to share the road we ride on.
  More info at www.rideofsilence.com.

But before the rubber hits the road or path, make sure your Huffy is up to code. Here is an A-to-Z guide, courtesy of the Dallas Morning News.

• Always wear a helmet. Even a slow-speed fall can cause traumatic head injury because of the distance to the ground.
• B is for bike store, not big box. A good bike shop has employees who can help you sort through myriad choices and price ranges. A bike shop can put you on the right bike for your needs and in the correct size.
• Commute. Consider using a bicycle as a transportation alternative. Each gallon of gasoline you save keeps 20 pounds of carbon dioxide out of the air and $3.50 in your pocket.
• Don't try to do too much too soon. Build a base with short rides on a regular basis. Increase your time or distance by 10 percent each week.
• Enter a bike rally; there are many to choose from. A rally is a goal to train for and will expose you to the cycling bug. It's fine to start with a short distance.
• F is for fun, not just fitness. Fitness, weight and other goals are fine, but you're more apt to reach them if you're having fun.
• Gears. Learn to use them. Pedaling, especially initially, should be easy. Think circles as you pedal, not individual downward strokes. (See Knees.)
• Hills. Find a hill and ride up it; that's what it's for. Hills build core strength that will allow you to fly across the prairie. No hills? Then ride into the wind.
• Inner tube. Have one that's right for your bike, and know how to change it on the road.
• Jersey. A good bike jersey wicks perspiration away from your body, keeping you cooler. Many have three pockets in back for cellphones, inner tubes or an energy snack.
• Knees. Many of you considering bike riding are high-impact-sport enthusiasts who need relief. Cycling is kind on the knees.
• Lock. Get a good one.
• Maintenance. Take a class or ask a cyclist about taking care of your bike. Your first goals should be to change a tire and maintain the gear chain.
• Neighborhood. You shouldn't have to take your bike somewhere to ride it. Even people in busy areas should be a couple of blocks from an acceptable riding area. Remember, frequency is the key.
• Outside. One of the best elements of cycling, even in Texas. Spring (now!) is an ideal time to start, and if you do, you will be able to ride through the summer heat. Airflow is nature's air conditioning.
• Pump. Get a good one and use it. Properly inflated tires will help you roll merrily along.
• Quick release. Proper rear wheel quick-release tension is critical. You might find yourself on the pavement with the first hard pedal stroke.
• Right of way. You have all the rights and responsibilities of any other vehicle on Texas roads, but remember to yield to cars. You don't want to be dead right.
• Saddle. Perhaps the most important part of the bike, it's where the rider meets the bike. If riding is a pain, you probably haven't found the right saddle. There are saddles for men and women. The correct narrow seat should be much more comfortable than a wide, tractor-style seat. Consult a good bike shop.
• Tire tools. These little beauties will help you change a tire without puncturing the new tube.
• Underwear. Don't need it. That's what the silly black shorts are for. The built-in chamois liner keeps you from getting chapped.
• Velodrome. Check out the races this summer at Superdrome in Frisco, 9700 Wade Blvd., for a preview of cycling events in the Olympic Games. Track racers compete on a banked oval. See www.superdrome.com.
• Water. You'll need plenty in Texas. Water bottles are cheap and get the job done. Caution: If you ride rallies, the freebie bottles can take over like bamboo in a flowerbed.
• eXtras. You've got plenty of time to get extras. Start with a bike, helmet and pump, if cash is a barrier. Then slowly add cycling shoes, gloves and a heart rate monitor.
• Yellow Jersey. Watch at least some Tour de France race coverage in July. It'll add to your enthusiasm during the dog days of summer. Enjoy the ribbon of team colors as it flows through the French countryside.
• Zen. Grasshopper: The sum of cycling is greater than its parts. It's man or woman and machine; a time to think through problems while gaining confidence in your ability.

Happy riding!