Cycle commuters were out in force first thing Monday, trading trucks and cars for a cleaner, healthier alternative as more teams than expected took part in Bike to Work Week.

Warm and sunny weather helped persuade more than a few at the last minute, no doubt. There were 86 teams signed up Monday morning, but somehow 95 teams were on the road on the first commute of the week.

“Ten teams signed up today, I think,” said Marcia Small, one of the organizers. “Sixty-three people stopped by the Celebration Station, so it’s going really well.”

Last year’s event initially attracted 37 teams but the number grew to 73 by week’s end.

The event’s social network co-ordinator reported that “it’s gone crazy on Facebook,” she noted.

All morning Celebration Stations — pit stops where commuters are served refreshments and encouragement — are held in front of the Kamloops Law Courts at Fourth and Columbia from 6:30-9 a.m. Afternoon Celebration Stations move around. From 3:30-6 p.m. Tuesday, it will be located at the new Valleyview Bike Exchange before moving back the Overlander Bridge in front of the Tournament Capital sign on Wednesday.

“We’ll also be out there this afternoon, frying,” Small said.

Details of the event can be found on the event website and on Facebook. Participants can cycle all week or just one day if that suits. Or they can sign up during the week.

“A lot of people register during the course of the week,” said James Gordon, another organizer.

Another incentive to cyclists: Bicycle portraits. Ray Perreault, a Kamloops photographer and avid cyclist, will be shooting poses at morning Celebration Station, 6:30-9 a.m. daily.