The mission of the Erie MetroParks is to conserve natural resources while connecting the community with nature through education and exploration.
The parks agency is doing that with the Happy Thursday Community Bike Ride, which are a staple activity in Sandusky during the summer months, said Kippie Loughlin, digital media and information technology coordinator for the Erie MetroParks.
Loughlin also is the co-founder of the event with Elisabeth Sowecke.
A couple of the riders taking part in the Happy Thursday Community Bike Ride. (Submitted)
“The Happy Cruiser Bike Ride is a weekly community bike ride,” Loughlin said. “The rides are held every Thursday starting in June and continuing through September.
“Hundreds of riders get together to ride through the city of Sandusky. The routes change weekly, as do the themes.
“Some of the themes include pajamas, hats, wigs and there was even a pirate-themed ride.”
Crowd favorites are The Panama Ride, Hip-Hop Ride and the Hawaiian Ride.
Residents taking part in the Happy Thursday Community Bike Ride. The ride is a way Erie MetroParks connect with the community and nature through education and exploration. (Submitted)
The Erie MetroParks works with the Sandusky Bay Cycles, local nonprofit that started the rides in 2019 with the hopes of uniting people in their love of bikes.
Originally starting with just a dozen friends, the program now has between 100 and 250 riders each week, Loughlin said.
“The Sandusky Bay Cycles continues to raise bicycle awareness and safety,” he said. “In the past several years, the Sandusky Bay Cycles were able to give away over 150 bicycles to those in need, and they donated over 100 helmets to residents, and gave away over 300 bicycle bells.
“With a great crowd, comes great fun. The Happy Thursday Community Bike Ride is a special event that brings happiness and joy to the streets of Sandusky.
“To understand what makes these rides so special, you really have to experience a Happy Thursday Community Bike Ride.”
The rides are at a slow pace, and the riders wish everyone they see “Happy Thursday,” Loughlin said.
The rides usually are between 60 and 90 minutes long, and cover an average of six to eight miles of city streets.
There are no designated leaders or routes.
Sowecke usually leads the rides, with the routes changing every week.
“We really love it when people see us and decide to tag along while riding,” she said. “When the neighborhood kids jump in, it really gives this ride an instant sense of purpose of connecting community.
“We have skateboarders, scooters, and even a roller skater who joins us. We also have a lot of out-of-towners that show up every week and have had riders as far away as Australia.”
The organizers encourage everyone to dress up and join the ride.
The riders meet at 6:30 p.m., and the ride begins at 7, weather permitting.
For more information, call 419-625-7783 Ext. 240 or email kloughlin@eriemetroparks.org.