Annual Lake Erie Cyclefest Returns

Paul Gibbens

The Presque Isle Sunrise Ride is one of six planned group rides during 2023's Lake Erie Cyclefest. There is a ride for everyone, beginner to advanced, and many rides are customizable for different skill levels.

BEGINNING THURSDAY, JUL. 27

The annual Lake Erie Cyclefest is set to run from Thursday, July 27 through Sunday, July 29. Cyclists can enjoy scenic views across the picturesque Erie County area. Presented by the Erie Sports Commission, the event consists of six self-guided bike rides for all ages and abilities. According to the executive director of the Erie Sports Commission Mark Jeanneret, more than 900 cyclists participated in the 2022 Lake Erie Cyclefest. "We hope to see that number continue to grow as we add more exciting elements to the rides and take participants' feedback as we try to improve the experience for everyone," he explained.

Accessibility is a priority for the Erie Sports Commission: "It is important that we make this celebration of cycling as inclusive as possible. We want to remove as many barriers as possible to getting people out on their bikes and taking part in a festival that is meant to celebrate them and their community," Jeanneret explained. Cyclefest includes a wide variety of locations, distances, and prices.

"We like to say that Lake Erie Cyclefest is an all-cycling weekend for all cycling lovers, and we mean it," Jeanneret commented.

The events happening throughout Lake Erie Cyclefest are as follows:

Downtown Slow Roll
Thursday, July 27 at 6 p.m.

Cyclefest will kick off with the Downtown Slow Roll beginning and ending in Perry Square in Downtown Erie. The slow roll is an easy level ride that is family friendly and perfect for casual cyclists. Following the ride, musical entertainment will be provided by the rock band Phunkademic with special guests SANIS. The slow roll is free but registration is required.

Great Escape

Friday, July 28

The ride will begin and end at Shades Beach Park on Lake Erie in Harborcreek. Participants can choose between a 25 or 50-mile ride. Participants are invited to enjoy post-ride wine samples from Lake Erie Wine Country. Registration is $45 with a deadline of Monday, July 24.

Tour de West County

Saturday, July 29

The Tour de West County is hosted by Asbury Woods and will depart from the Andrew J. Connor Nature Center. There are three distance options to explore the rolling hills and meadows of West County including 12-mile, 25-mile, and 50-mile. Registered participants will receive a post-ride lunch. The cost to participate is $45 with a registration deadline of Monday, July 24.

Six Mile Creek Classic

Saturday, July 29 at 2 p.m.

If you're interested in taking the road less traveled, this ride will travel the six-mile long mountain bike course at the Six Mile Creek Park in Harborcreek. There will be six classes varying in speed and distance: beginner, youth, sport, Clydesdale, expert, and single speed. Registration for the ride is $40 until Thursday, July 27.

Presque Isle Sunrise Ride

Sunday, July 30 at 6 a.m.

Cyclists can enjoy the sunrise over the tranquil shores of Lake Erie in one of the most well-loved state parks during the Presque Isle Sunrise Ride. The 13-mile loop will begin at the Beach 1 Pavilion. Registered participants are invited to the Discover PI Pancake Breakfast at the Rotary Pavilion. New to Cyclefest is the opportunity to tour the Presque Isle Lighthouse. Registration is $30 with a deadline of Thursday, July 27 by 6:15 a.m.

See Spot Ride
Sunday, July 30

Hosted by Because You Care, the See Spot Ride for Animal Rescue will feature three distance rides throughout rural McKean in Southern Erie County including 10-mile, 25-mile, and challenging 40-mile route.  All three rides will depart from the McKean Elementary School beginning at 9 a.m. The ride will commence with a "pawty" at the Because You Care adoption center with local food trucks, beer, and entertainment all for a great cause. Registration is $45 until Friday, July 28.

July 27 - 30 // Varying times and locations // Free-$45 // For more info: lakeeriecyclefest.org