Lake Erie Cyclefest Returns for 2022

kunchainub

 Beginning Thursday, July 28

With summer back in season and the Tour De France currently underway, cyclists far and wide are preparing for their own journey across the Erie region. The Lake Erie Sports Commission has announced the Lake Erie Cyclefest will return this month from July 28 through July 31. Described as a way to "experience breathtaking landscapes and Erie County's abundant natural resources on safe, and spectacular routes," the event has generated massive success and acclaim since its return in 2021.

"Lake Erie Cyclefest is a fantastic event for cyclists everywhere, and we're grateful to Highmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield and AHN Saint Vincent Hospital for supporting the event again in 2022," Mark Jeanneret, executive director for the Erie Sports Commission, said in a press release. "With options for everyone and the ability to ride through vast landscapes, flat lakefront, and rolling hills, Erie is an outstanding destination for cycling."

With registration now underway, these are the six events which riders will need to prepare their bikes and minds for.

Lake Erie Cyclefest Slow Downtown Roll (Thursday, July 28 at 6 p.m.) 

The ride to start the event will take cyclists through downtown starting and ending at Perry Square. Set at 10 miles, cyclists will get views of the bayfront and Downtown Erie, including sights such as the Bicentennial Tower, the Erie Maritime Museum, and Erie Insurance Arena. There is no cost for participating in this ride, but registration is required.

Grape Escape Ride (Friday, July 29 at 8 a.m.)

A new addition to the event, the Grape Escape will take cyclists through Erie County's vineyards and grape fields, starting and ending at Shades Beach Park in Harborcreek. Samples of wine from a stretch of 53 miles of Lake Erie Wine Country along with food will be provided. The cost to participate in the ride is $45, with registration due July 25.

Tour De West Country (Saturday, July 30 at 8 a.m.)

Held in collaboration with Asbury Woods, this ride gives cyclists a glimpse at "one of the area's oldest recreational bike rides." Starting and ending at the Andrew J. Connor Nature Center, participants will have the option for three different routes of varying lengths:

50 miles: 8 a.m.

25 miles: 9 a.m.

12 miles: 10 a.m.

Registration costs $35 through July 15 and $45 up until July 25, with no same-day registration allowed. Riders will receive gift bags including a pair of RunPhones by AcousticSheep. After the ride is over, cyclists can enjoy a boxed lunch and refreshments from Erie Beer Company starting at 1 p.m. Guests and family members can pre-purchase a lunch for $8 and attend programming from Asbury Woods.

Six Mile Creek Classic (Saturday, July 30 at 2 p.m.)

Featuring brand-new trails from Six Mile Creek Park in Harborcreek Township, cyclists will be able to ride through wooded trails and hills at the Trails at Six Mile. The event will be divided into six different classes of difficulty: Beginner, Youth, Sport, Clydesdale, Expert, and Single Speed with riders going between one to three laps. Registration is $45 with the deadline of July 28.

Presque Isle Sunrise Ride (Sunday, July 31 at 6:15 a.m.)

Held in collaboration with the Presque Isle Partnership, this ride will be held on the final day of Discover Presque Isle, a "multi-day celebration that aims to draw attention to the Park's numerous recreational activities and diverse natural ecosystems." Starting at Beach 1 Pavilion, this ride will take cyclists 13 miles around the entire loop of Presque Isle State Park. Participants will be given a ticket for the pancake breakfast at the Rotary Pavilion. Registration is $35 up to the day of the event.

See Spot Ride, Ride for Animal Rescue (Sunday, July 31st at 9 a.m.)

This ride, held in collaboration with Because You Care, will take riders through the roads and picturesque landscapes of southern Erie County Through McKean Township. Similar to the Tour De West County, there are three different routes and start times for cyclists.

40 miles: 9 a.m.

25 miles: 9:30 a.m.

10 miles: 9:45 a.m.

All riders will begin at McKean Elementary School and end at the Because You Care Adoption Center. The end of the ride will feature food trucks, beer, and live music, with animals from the nonprofit to greet the cyclists. Registration is $45, with a deadline of July 29.
— Thomas Taylor

Information for registration and routes for the rides can be found at eriesportscommission.com