The simplest concepts are sometimes the most brilliant. A case in point is the aptly-named Magical Magnolia Park Bicycle Tour, an event that celebrated its second year recently with an impressive - and impressed - crowd.

The concept is straightforward: bicyclists pick up "passports" at the event promoting Burbank's Magnolia Park Business District, get them stamped by businesses they visit during self-guided bike tours, and those with eight or more stamps get rewarded with some surprisingly nice give-aways.

Last year, about eight businesses participated and a fair number of riders showed up. This year, according to Magnolia Park Partnership manager Gail Stewart, 24 businesses participated and more than 300 bicyclists attended the event.

Even though it was held on the cusp of summer, it may have felt like Christmas to some because of all fabulous freebies. Gracie Coronado, assistant manager of the partnership, said the city gave away bike bags, U-locks, and tire repair kits.

Merchants were handing out marvelous goodies as well - everything ranging from aprons, shoe gels and compasses, to flower seeds and cookies.

"The turnout was unbelievable," Coronado said.

"It's a great way for people who live in or near Magnolia Park and the businesses that are there to get to know each other and get a little healthy exercise while they're at it," said Brad Korb, whose real estate office, RE/MAX in Action, has been located in Magnolia Park for many years.

Korb, a member of the Magnolia Park Partnership Committee, volunteered at the event by handing out guidebooks to bicyclists. Meanwhile, members of his Brad Korb Team distributed Tootsie Roll pops and packets of flower seeds to visitors.

Highlights included booths hosted by cycling organizations, tours of some of the businesses and a raffled give-away of two beach bikes donated by Providence St. Joseph Medical Center.

"I'm not surprised that even though this was only the second time we've done this, the attendance and business participation was so much higher," Korb said. "I think it's like a snowball rolling down hill - it will get bigger and better every year."

For more information about Magnolia Park and upcoming events such as the BeBoppin' in the Park, a street festival and vintage car show slated for Aug. 23, call 818-238-5209 or visit www.magnoliaparkburbank.org.