Erie, PA: Hundreds of bicyclists will traverse Erie County’s roads, trails and beaches this weekend, as Lake Erie Cyclefest sets off Thursday night and continues through Sunday afternoon. Lake Erie Cyclefest is presented by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and AHN Saint Vincent Hospital.
Six rides will be hosted by local nonprofit organizations, with all proceeds benefiting the host nonprofit. Participating nonprofit organizations include Asbury Woods, Because You Care, BikeErie, Erie Downtown Partnership, Northern Allegheny Mountain Bike Association and Presque Isle Partnership. The Erie Sports Commission is overseeing coordination of the hosted rides. Events will occur rain or shine.
Information and routes for all of the rides can be found at www.lakeeriecyclefest.org.
The schedule for the weekend is as follows:
Lake Erie Cyclefest Downtown Slow Roll – Thursday, July 28
Hosted by Bike Erie and Erie Downtown Partnership: check-in begins at 5 p.m., ride begins at 6 p.m. at the Perry Square Stage
The 9-mile family-friendly slow roll will take cyclists through some of the City of Erie’s scenic murals. The ride will end with a vendor fair and concert from Optimistic Apocalypse and Slim & Red in Perry Square. Registration is free but pre-registration is required.
NEW – Grape Escape Ride – Friday, July 29
Hosted by Asbury Woods and Because You Care, Inc.: check-in begins at 7 a.m., rides begin at 8 a.m. at Shades Beach Park
Lake Erie Cyclefest introduces the Grape Escape Ride, starting and ending on the shores of Lake Erie at the beautiful Shades Beach Park in Harborcreek. Participants will toast the morning’s successful ride with Mazza Wines and Five & 20 on hand to provide wine and beer samples. Registration is closed for this event.
Tour de West County – Saturday, July 30
Hosted by Asbury Woods: check-in begins at 7 a.m., rides begin at 8 a.m. at the Asbury Woods Nature Center
Tour de West County is one of the area's oldest recreational bike rides, offering ride distance options of 12, 25 and 50 miles. All rides will begin and end at the Andrew J. Conner Nature Center at Asbury Woods, and will feature a post-ride picnic for registered bicyclists. Registration is closed for this event.
NEW - Six Mile Creek Classic – Saturday, July 30
Hosted by Northern Allegheny Mountain Bike Association: check-in begins at 1 p.m., rides begin at 2 p.m. at the Trails at Six Mile at Six Mile Creek Park
New for 2022, the Six Mile Creek Classic will offer mountain bikers the opportunity to race on the brand new Trails at Six Mile at Six Mile Creek Park in Harborcreek. Expect woods and hills in the six-mile loop! Riders will complete between one and three laps depending on their class: beginner, youth, sport, clydesdale, expert and single speed will be offered.
Presque Isle Sunrise Ride – Sunday, July 31
Hosted by Presque Isle Partnership: check in and rides begin at 6:15 a.m.
Cyclists will have the opportunity to become one with the sun at Erie's most popular tourist destination, Presque Isle State Park, during the Presque Isle Sunrise Ride. New for 2022, the ride will be hosted at the end of Discover Presque Isle. The flat, 13-mile loop features water views on both sides, and is one of the most spectacular routes in the region. The ride will start at the Beach 1 Pavilion, and all registered cyclists will be given a ticket to the Discover PI Pancake Breakfast at the Rotary Pavilion.
See Spot Ride, Ride for Animal Rescue – Sunday, July 31
Hosted by Because You Care, Inc.: check-in begins at 8 a.m., rides begin at 9 a.m. at McKean Elementary School
See Spot Ride, the third annual Because You Care Ride for Animal Rescue, will take place on the lovely back roads of McKean Township. The picturesque countryside offers beautiful routes with varying terrain, including options for a 40-, 25- and 10-mile ride. Routes will begin at McKean Elementary School and finish at the Because You Care Adoption Center with a casual "Pawty" including food trucks, beer and music. Spot and kitty friend, Liza, will be ready to greet participants and introduce them to their adorable, adoptable friends!
Lake Erie Cyclefest is presented by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and AHN Saint Vincent Hospital, with further support from the Erie Sports Commission, Presque Isle Downs & Casino, VisitErie, Engel O’Neill Advertising and Public Relations, Erie News Now and WQLN Public Media.
