Calling all cyclists
The Atlanta Cycling Festival will kick off Saturday, June 10, and biking enthusiasts will have many opportunities to experience the city on two wheels. Over 3,000 cyclists participated in last year's festival which featured city bike rides, cycling classes and parties. This year the festival promises to be even better; here are some fun ways to get involved.
Kids Learn to Ride a bike with Strider Bikes – Saturday, June 10 at 10 a.m.
Join Niklas, Kevin and Corny (The coolest parents on two wheels) as they host a kids learn how to ride a bike event, which will be followed by a short bike ride to practice their fresh biking skills. For kids ages 2 to 5 there will be Strider Bikes and helmets. Older kids with their own bikes and helmets are welcome too. The ride will begin at Cabbagetown Park in Kirkwood, 701 Kirkwood Ave SE, Atlanta. For more information on the kid's ride, visit www.atlantacyclingfestival.com/events/kids-learn-to-ride-a-bike-with-strider-bikes.
Atlanta Streets Alive Sunday, June 11 at 4 p.m.
In partnership with the Atlanta Cycling Festival, 4 miles of Marietta Street and Howell Mill Road will be vehicle-free Sunday, June 11th, 4 to 8 p.m. as Atlanta Streets Alive, an initiative of the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition, opens those roadways completely to cyclists. The event kicks off with a bicycle parade followed by lots of free cultural and physical activities for the whole family. For more information, visit www.atlantacyclingfestival.com/events/atlanta-streets-alive.
Beltline Mountain Bike Basics – Wednesday, June 14 at 6 p.m.
REI Atlanta will host this intro to mountain bikes on the BeltLine corridor. Instructors will talk about what to look for in a mountain bike, cover some basic techniques and lead a short bike ride. The ride will begin at Piedmont Park Northwoods. For more information, visit www.atlantacyclingfestival.com/events/mountain-biking-basics-on-the-beltline-with-rei.
4th Annual Doughnut Ride – Friday, June 16 at 9 a.m.
True to the "Doughnut Ride" name, this sweet trip will take you on a tour of Atlanta's best doughnut shops. The ride will begin at Revolution Doughnuts, where riders will learn about and sample their favorite doughy treats. Once the doughnuts are consumed, riders will get a chance to burn off those calories on their way to Sublime Doughnuts for another indulgence. Is two doughnut stops enough? No, it is not so it's on to the new Revolution Doughnuts in Inman Park. There could even be a King of Pops stop. Not only does this allow you to enjoy your favorite food, but also your waistline will be spared in the process. Sounds like a win-win situation. For more info, visit www.atlantacyclingfestival.com/events/fourth-annual-donut-ride.
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One Ride – Friday, June 16 at 6:30 p.m.
The Atlanta Cycling Festival promises that their annual "One Ride" will be something worth seeing. Starting at various points around the city, riders will meet at Centennial Olympic Park at 7:30 p.m. From there, it's on to the Georgia Beer Garden on Edgewood Ave. for an auction, food and beverages. For more on this ride, visit: www.atlantacyclingfestival.com/events/one-ride.
Big Closing Bash – Saturday, June 17 at 6 p.m.
The ACF will host its bash at Eventide Brewing in Grant Park. There will be beer, vendors and food along with the Clif Ride Zone for Kids, MTP Pump Track from REI and something called the Cargo Bike Challenge. For more information,visit www.atlantacyclingfestival.com/events/big-closing-bash.
Note: The Atlanta Cycling Festival has provided a FAQ page that will answer any questions concerning its activities.
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