MADISON, Wis. -- Clear sunny skies on Sunday made it a great day to be outside in Madison.

SLIDESHOW: See Photos Of 'Ride The Drive' With Lance Armstrong

No wonder then that this year's Ride the Drive attracted a record-breaking crowd. Officials estimate that more that 50,000 people showed up for the event, including some very special guests happy to celebrate the joys of biking.

Those joys were even more pronounced on Sunday as bicyclists, used to having to share the road with cars, had six miles of city blacktop all to themselves.

Those bicyclists included cycling superstar Lance Armstrong, who on Sunday shed his familiar cycling gear for a more casual shorts and T-shirt look. Those in attendance were thrilled to see the seven-time Tour de France winner, no matter what he was wearing.

"As somebody who spends a lot of time on bikes and on roads, the idea that there's one less car and one more bike on the road is a dang good idea in my opinion," said Armstrong to deafening cheers.

The cycling star graciously signed autographs and shook hands, as his mere presence only added to the inspiration he has already given to many bikers in attendance.

"Last year in November, I was diagnosed with the same type of cancer Lance Armstrong had, and he's been a big inspiration to me," said Rick Behnke, of Brillion. "And just like Lance, I was able to beat the cancer."

Behnke said the trip south was well worth the effort.

"It was an emotional thing for me," said Behnke, "because meeting an icon like that for somebody from my standpoint was, it was pretty amazing."

What was also amazing -- and not in a good way -- for some drivers was the traffic headache the event caused.

"I'm sure there are some residents that are like, 'Wait a minute, why is my road closed down?'" said Armstrong.

Madison's mayor said the city works to improve the event each time.

He also said he will investigate why drivers on the beltline weren’t given any warning that John Nolen Drive was closed to cars.

"I didn't realize there wasn't, so we'll have to get after that," admitted Mayor Dave Cieslewicz. "It's stuff like that we learn from every time, so if we don't have a sign out there, should be one next time."

This year's Ride the Drive event cost an estimated $35,000 to $40,000, but the city didn't have to pay out any cash.

Sponsors paid for the event as well as police officer overtime pay.