After several days of bike rides around Erie, the Lake Erie Cycle Fest wrapped up with a final ride, this one with a local animal shelter in mind.

From registering, to filling up, being safe, dozens of cyclists embarked on a ride benefiting Because You Care animal shelter.


Jennifer Bane, a Volunteer with Because You Care explained, "We have a lot of cyclists, a lot of animal lovers who are cyclists and we thought what a better partnership than Lake Erie Cycle Fest. So we jumped at the opportunity to partner with other non-profits to be a part of this wonderful weekend that brings in so many tourists and supporters."


For some riders, it was their first time participating in the annual event. Laura Faye Gephart said, "It's a great sense of community and it's also a great way to see an area that I hadn't appreciated so far."


Anyone could get out and participate in the rides, some doing for the journey, while others doing it for the cause. All the funds raised from Sunday's ride benefited the animal shelter in McKean. As Bane explained, "It goes to the fees and the costs to run a shelter and transportation fees and funds it costs for funds to the foster families that help foster the animals, veterinarian fees, things of that nature."


Event organizers said they try to keep area non-profits in mind when planning events. Sydney Dietz, the Events and Marketing Manager for the Erie Sports Commission explained, "It's very important to consider the local shelters when you come out and pay for your registrations, not only are you getting a bike ride out of it, but you are also supporting a a local charity, Because You Care."


While the monetary support is a help, getting animals into new homes is the ultimate goal. As Dietz explained, "What they do is so important in the community with animals by fostering them and getting them homes."

Cyclists could choose from a 40, 25 or 10 mile ride. All rides ended with a lunch and party at Because You Care animal shelter.