STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- It's not a race -- it's a happening.

Over 30,000 cyclists from all around the world rolled across the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge and onto Staten Island Sunday as they completed the Five Boro Bike Tour -- a popular 40-mile jaunt that spans the entire city.

"It's not a race, it's just one of the nicest happenings I can think of -- the entire city is given over to bicyclists, and I got to make this ride with 32,000 of my closest friends," said Lenny Rosenfield, who travels each May from his home in Ithaca for the annual ride.

The veteran cyclist says he has completed 18 tours over the years, and can recall the days before organizers charged folks to participate, and when bikers only numbered in the hundreds.

"Every year you can see the city change," he said.

Many traveled from out-of-state for the race, and even from other countries such as Mexico and Canada to complete the five-borough challenge. Some rode alone, while other riders were accompanied by larger groups.

"I just love coming to New York and seeing the city from my bike," said Luis Medina, who flew in from his hometown in Mexico for his third bike tour. "The camaraderie and seeing all the people joined together for a common cause-- it was really awesome."

Howard Chang traveled from Toronto for his chance to explore the city from a bicycle seat, and said he wasn't disappointed with the view. "It's an amazing way to see New York. When we come here we usually take a subway or cab, and this gives everyone a chance to see the city in a new way."

Most other riders seemed to agree.

"It was kind of surreal," said Grant Keeney, who rode with his friend from Brooklyn. "It was fun to go by all the landmarks and see sights you would never ride your bike past."

With 40-miles behind them, many riders cooled off with the free water and popsicles available at the finish line in St. George.

"It couldn't have gone any better -- except if the last bridge was slightly more flat," said Zach Schwenk after riding over the Verrazano. "That was pretty intense."

Started in 1977, the annual tour has become the largest in the country. The route shuts down sections of highway and bridges as it begins in Battery Park in Lower Manhattan and stretches from Manhattan through the Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn and, finally, Staten Island.

Proceeds from the event fund Bike New York's free bike education classes.

Seattle native Julie Robinson was all smiles as she hit the brakes in St. George after finishing her first tour. "It's a great city to ride," she said, noting the peaceful quietness that came from traveling the city's normally busy streets.

"It was silent except for the bikes -- just amazing."

As the tens of thousands of riders walked their bikes back onto the Staten Island Ferry following the tour, most already had next year's event on their minds.

"It's something I look forward to every year," Rosenfield said. "...one of the highlights of my year."