Call it a practice run for what is to come in the following weeks as June arrives, ushering in my favorite time of the year as folks pack up their bikes, cars, and even surf boards and head out of town. And while Saturday’s YOLO (You Only Live Once) ride is a half-day affair, its mission is to get you ready to roll this summer on any one of the number of trails or roadways that take us out of the city to enjoy the joys of Michigan’s warm season.
Billed by She Rides Her Own Way as the first big, kick-off community ride of 2016, organizer Johanna Jelks hopes that this event will not just build confidence for women looking to take to the streets and trails this summer but will also create opportunities for new riders and new citizens of the city to come together and make some friends.
“We really wanted a chill day of riding that encourages folks to have fun and relax on this carefree activity of riding the White Pine Trail from Riverside Park to downtown Rockford,” says Jelks.
To help make this day a safe and festive event, Jelks encourages folks to register in advance if possible and then bring a friend to the event, which kicks off right after on-site registration ends at 1 p.m. There will be an hour of free yoga to stretch you out for the 2 p.m. departure.
This meditative start is provided by Lolë Grand Rapids, which will be sending an instructor, a few extra yoga mats, and water stations to the starting point in Riverside Park.
Newly located in Creston’s Northeast, the folks at Central District Cyclery will be going over a few tips to ensure that everyone’s ride is a safe one, and, then, to ensure that the experience is a good one they will be offering pre-ride tune ups (as time allows). The Cyclery folk will be riding with the event participants just in case anyone has a blow out and needs assistance.
The cyclists will leave the park at 2 p.m. and ride to Rockford, where folks can enjoy a refreshing cold beverage or lunch at the Rockford Brewing Co.
Jelks asks that you bring your helmet and a water bottle. And even though it is predicted to be in the 50s and cloudy, please wear sunscreen.
While there is no official cut -off for the number of riders who can attend, as of press time more than 120 people have pre-registered to enjoy this easy-to-ride community-building activity.
Admission: Free
NOTE: This event was to happen on May 14 but due to the rain (and snow!) alert organizers have rebooked it for Saturday, May 21, 2016. You might only live once (YOLO) but it obviously can snow anytime in Michigan. Stay Strong, GR.
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