Lake Erie Cyclefest Returns with New Format

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Friday, July 30 -  Aug. 1

Lake Erie Cyclefest returns this weekend for its fifth consecutive year with all new rides, a new event structure, and new partnering non profit organizations. Earlier this year, the previous race directors passed the torch to the Erie Sports Commission who is proud to oversee the 2021 festival. The Lake Erie Cyclefest is presented by Highmark and AHN Saint Vincent Hospital.

Although the fest persevered through the pandemic by offering an adaptive, covid-friendly version of rides, this year participants can expect a return to normalcy. Participants will be able to once again enjoy the commeradie of riding along fellow cyclists. In addition, after-ride events for the cyclist community to mingle are also being offered. 

This year's festival consists of four distinct rides through the different terrains of Erie County. Cyclists can choose between the views of downtown Erie, the sandy beaches of Presque Isle, a ride through the old growth forests, or the rolling hills of the countryside. Each ride is brought to cyclists by a different local charity and all ride proceeds will benefit that hosting non profit organization. Beneficiaries this year are Asbury Woods, Because You Care, Erie Downtown Partnership and Presque Isle Partnership.

Here's a breakdown of each ride:

Downtown Slow Roll

When: Friday, July 30 (5 p.m. registration, 6 p.m. ride, 6-8 p.m. Vendor Fair and Live Music)

Where: Perry Square, 601 State Street, Erie PA

What: A family-friendly slow roll beginning and ending at the Perry Square Stage. This ride teases the route of some of Erie's upcoming Active Transportation Plan Improvements, including new proposed bike lane routes. After the ride, a vendor fair with bike supplies, giveaways, food, beer, and entertainment will run until 8 p.m. in West Perry Square along with live music.

Registration: open until July 29

Hosted by: Erie Downtown Partnership and ErieBike

Tour De West County

When: Saturday, July 31 (7 a.m. check-in, 8 a.m. start - 50 mile ride, 9 a.m. start - 25 mile ride, 10 a.m. start - 12 mile ride, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. post-ride lunch and refreshments)

Where: Asbury Woods Nature Center, 4105 Asbury Road, Erie PA

What: All rides begin and end at the Asbury Woods Nature Center. The ride is one of the area's oldest recreational bike rides, offering three different distance options suitable for all cyclists. Post-ride boxed lunch and refreshments, including beer from ErieBeer, will be provided to cyclists.

Registration: closed

Hosted by: Asbury Woods

myPI Sunrise Ride

When: Sunday, August 1 (5:45 - 7 a.m. check-in, start - 13 mile ride begins following check-in at the rider's own pace)

Where: Tom Ridge Environmental Center, 301 Peninsula Drive, Erie PA

What: This early morning ride loops cyclists around one of Erie's most popular tourist destinations, where they can soak up the rising sun at their own leisurely pace. From 6:30 - 9 a.m., light breakfast refreshments will be served at the Beach 11 pavilion, the ride's halfway point.

Registration: closed

Hosted by: Presque Isle Partnership and BikeErie

See Spot Ride

When: Sunday, August 1 (10 a.m. check-in, 10:30 a.m. start - 40 mile ride, 11 a.m. start - 25 mile ride, 1 p.m. post-ride lunch gathering)

Where: McKean Elementary School, 5120 West Road, McKean PA

What: This is the second annual Because You Care Bike Ride for Animal Rescue, taking cyclists along the back roads of McKean Township. Rides begin at the McKean Elementary School and finish at the Because You Care Adoption Center. Cyclists will be greeted with an outdoor gathering including food trucks, beer, and music. In addition, furry friends will be available to meet and adopt. 

Registration: open through July 31

Hosted by: Because You Care

For more information, go to https://www.lakeeriecyclefest.org/