By RYAN SKAITH
Residents are encouraged to bundle up and light up their bikes for the Annual Holiday Park Ride on Wednesday, Dec. 10.
General manager at Horizon Cycling and board member of the St. Joseph Trail Alliance, Blake Hoppe, says the ride begins in Downtown St. Joseph. “We’re going to meet at River Bluff Brewing, then do a ride around the parkway, up to Krug Park to see all the lights, take a ride down the Avenue, and end back at Riverbluff for some post ride festivites.”
Pizza Tascio will be on-site serving food, and drinks will be available at River Bluff.
Hoppe says the ride is family friendly, but notes, “Make sure you bring headlights and taillights for your bike, and if you have kids, make sure they know the rules of the road and how to ride with traffic. We want everyone to be safe.”
The annual Holiday Ride has been around for several years and Hoppe says this is a way for the group to give back to the community. “We’re big on community involvement and getting people on bikes and staying engaged.”
Wendesday night’s weather outlook looks to be cold with temperatues forcast around 25 degrees, but Hoppe says he hopes a lot of people show up. “Last year we had about fifty participants. I’m looking for anywhere from 30 – 50 riders this year. As long as people are okay braving the cold, we’d love to see a good turnout.”
The ride begins at 6:00 p.m. at River Bluff Brewing but participants are encouraged to show up about fifteen minutes early to get their bike gear ready.
Hoppe says holiday themed costumes and Christmas lights attached to bikes are also encouraged.
The event is free to attend and is sponsored by Horizon Cycling and the St. Joseph Trail Alliance.