NATCHEZ — On Halloween, some Miss-Lou children are inevitably wondering how to eat all the candy they want without getting sick.

But another group of older, bigger kids were wondering how to ride a bike with udders on and how to not lose a witch hat in the wind when rolling down a big hill.

That group gathered at the house of Allen and Beth Richard Friday for a costumed bike ride — an annual Halloween tradition the couple hosts.

In attendance were two cows, a couple of witches, an injured biker and several other costumed riders with lights on their bikes.

“The ride gives us an excuse to get on our bikes, dress up goofy, and throw candy to some kids,” said Allen Richard.

The riders began down State Street toward downtown, once downtown they began interacting with the trick or treaters, yelling, “happy Halloween” and handing out candy from containers resting on their handlebars.

After leaving downtown, their course went through several neighborhoods around town to continue to pass out candy.

Handing out candy was the main objective of the ride. But for the riders, there were other motives attached.

“It’s just another excuse to get on a bike,” said Beth Richard. “The weather is perfect and the seasons are changing. It’s my favorite time of the year to be outside.”

For Allen Richard, it is also about comradery within the biking community.

“It is about friends meeting up and experiencing something we all love together,” he said.

After the ride, everyone met back up at the Richard house for a bonfire and chili.

The group goes on other rides throughout the year, including a Christmas light ride and full moon rides on the Natchez Trace Parkway.