Choose Your Lake Erie Cyclefest Adventure

Roman Pohorecki

The plot may have thickened, but Lake Erie Cyclefest is not backpedaling on its setting or core narrative. This year's edition (the fourth in the series) will still unfold against the beautiful backdrop of Erie County; it still seeks to deepen cyclists' appreciation of that scenery; it will still benefit WQLN, Emergycare, and the YMCA of Great Erie.

This time, however, the authors are inviting participants to "choose their own adventure." Rather than selecting from a scheduled lineup of rides a lá carte, cyclists this year can embark on up to nine paths at their own discretion. A single registration fee of $25 unlocks digital route maps for them all, which can be completed at any time between July 1 and Aug. 31. Registrations will be accepted on a rolling basis at lakeeriecyclefest.com.  

In addition, adventurers will be granted complimentary access to the RaceJoy mobile app, allowing them to befriend and track one another, send encouragement, post pictures, and tweet progress updates. These features help the event retain some sense of the camaraderie and community for which it is known, even in the Age of Social Distancing. For those who would not ride alone, a Lake Erie Cyclefest neck gaiter is also included with the registration fee. The breathable fabric comfortably covers the face and neck, protecting you and your companion from the winds of plague and scourge of sun. 

Before each quest, Cyclefest organizers remind registrants to ensure proper tire inflation and chain operation, share their plans with family and friends (don't be sneaky — you're going on a bike ride, not staging a coup), and equip themselves with food, water, and repairs tools in the event of a roadside mishap (or, you know, if you get hungry or thirsty along the way). And of course, they commend your allegiance to a heroic cause.

"Our organizations showed up for the Erie community in big ways from supporting local students through connectivity to classroom learning, to first responders providing for the critical healthcare needs of the region, and supporting families with essentials like childcare and food," said Karen Jakiel, director of community development at Emergycare. "During this time, our nonprofits went around the roadblock and took a different route. Despite posting a combined multi-million dollar net revenue loss – we pivoted our business models, made investments, redeployed staff and answered community needs. Participation in this year's Lake Erie Cyclefest will help us course correct from the impact of COVID-19 and re-establish a firm foundation for generations to come."

So adjust your seat height, cushion your backside, look to the horizon, and pedal firmly forward. 

Matt Swanseger (mswanseger@eriereader.com) would kindly ask you again if you have his card, but who is he kidding — it'd be directly inserted into your bike spokes to make those impossibly cool motorcycle sounds.