Coeur d'Alene first lady Marie Widmyer and Idaho first lady Lori Otter will join the inaugural Women's Cruiser Ride on June 28, organized by the bicycling advocacy group BikeCDA.

The 5- to 7-mile bike tour will start and end at Java Coffee and Cafe on Sherman Avenue, and encompass scenic locations including Sanders Beach, McEuen Park, and Lake Coeur d'Alene.

"I've always been an advocate of leading a healthy lifestyle and I look forward to promoting biking and fitness with Idaho's first lady," Widmyer said Friday.

BikeCDA was launched this spring to help connect people and bicycling needs in Coeur d'Alene, said volunteer and co-organizer Tawnya O'Keefe.

O'Keefe, a cyclist, runner, and 2010 Ironman participant said, "I really want to see women get out there and enjoy this, and also learn where they can bike safely and take their children."

The one-hour tour starts at 10 a.m., and is an opportunity to "enjoy the community in a different way," said O'Keefe, in a region where many residents spend much time traveling in automobiles.

The first 50 participants to arrive at Java on the 28th will receive a free BikeCDA tee shirt, O'Keefe said. Participation is free of charge and a sandwich lunch for $6 will be available at Java after the ride.

O'Keefe recommends cyclists bring water and wear sun protection and comfortable clothes. Athletic attire, rather than jeans, is more suitable for cycling, O'Keefe said.

Otter - a former educator of health and physical education - enjoys tennis, golf, yoga and roping with the governor, said her assistant, Tamera Felter.

"The Women's Cruiser Ride is an exciting opportunity for the first lady to come alongside other women and help encourage them on their journey toward better health and fitness," Felter said. She added that Otter is committed to educating and inspiring women and families to make healthy choices in nutrition and outdoor activity.

Otter will be in Coeur d'Alene to give the keynote speech at the third annual Women Creating Success conference on June 27. Information is available at the Coeur d'Alene Chamber of Commerce.

The bicycle tour is suitable for all ages and athletic abilities, said O'Keefe. The tour will pause at several scenic stops along the route to allow all riders to catch up and proceed as a group. Information about the event is available on the BikeCDA Facebook page.