Lake Erie Cyclefest Returns in July

The Erie Sports Commission announced Friday the return of Lake Erie Cyclefest July 28-31, 2022. The event has grown this year to six rides over four days across Erie County, and will benefit partnering nonprofit organizations.

Registration is now open at www.lakeeriecyclefest.org.

The Erie Sports Commission began managing the Lake Erie Cyclefest brand, executing event marketing and promotions and overseeing coordination of the hosted rides last year, ensuring the event continues to run annually as it has since 2017.

“Lake Erie Cyclefest is a fantastic event for cyclists everywhere, and we’re grateful to Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and AHN Saint Vincent Hospital for supporting the event again in 2022,” said Mark Jeanneret, executive director of the Erie Sports Commission. “With options for everyone and the ability to ride through vast landscapes, flat lakefront and rolling hills, Erie is an outstanding destination for cycling. This event will showcase all of it, and benefit six different area nonprofits at the same time.”

Six rides will make up the all-cycling weekend:

• Lake Erie Cyclefest Downtown Slow Roll – Thursday, July 28, 5 p.m.
  Registration: Free (pre-registration is required)
  The Erie Downtown Partnership, in collaboration with Bike Erie, will kick off Lake Erie Cyclefest with their annual Downtown Slow Roll on Thursday, July 28. The family-friendly bike ride will feature a 10-mile easy ride, beginning and ending in Perry Square.
  
• NEW – Grape Escape Ride – Friday, July 29, 8 a.m.
  Registration: $35 Early Bird through June 30
  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, PA.  Choose from 21 or 47 picturesque miles winding through grape country.  Fresh lake breezes and the invigorating smell of grapes awaits you on this ride.  Post-ride, toast your morning’s successful ride with samples of wine from Lake Erie Wine Country and great food. The 47-mile ride will set off at 8 a.m., with the 21-mile ride beginning at 9 a.m.
• Tour de West County – Saturday, July 30, 8 a.m.
  Registration: $35 Early Bird through June 30
  Tour de West County is one of the region's oldest recreational bike rides, offering an outstanding tradition of spectacular routes and after-ride fun. Routes will include ride distance options of 12, 25 and 50 miles on rolling hills, past farmlands and through meadows. The routes begin and end at the Asbury Woods Nature Center, and will feature a post-ride picnic for registered cyclists. The rides will begin at 8 a.m. (50 miles), 9 a.m. (25 miles) and 10 a.m. (12 miles).
• NEW – Six Mile Creek Classic – Saturday, July 30, 2 p.m.
  Registration: $25
  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 Township. 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, 6:15 a.m.
  Registration: $25 Early Bird through June 30
  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, a multi-day celebration that aims to draw attention to the Park’s numerous recreational opportunities and diverse natural ecosystems. 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, 9 a.m.
  Registration: $35 Early Bird through June 30
  See Spot Ride, the third annual Because You Care Ride for Animal Rescue, will take place on the lovely back roads of McKean Township in southern Erie County. Only 6 miles from the Millcreek Mall, the picturesque countryside offers beautiful routes with varying terrain, including options for a 40-, 25- and 10-mile ride. The 40-mile ride will begin at 9 a.m., while the 25-mile ride will start at 9:30 a.m. and the 10-mile ride will depart at 9:45 a.m. 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 you and introduce you to their adorable, adoptable friends!

All ride proceeds will benefit the hosting nonprofit organization.