Group bike rides back

SANDUSKY — Let go of the brakes, shift in gear and get ready to pedal as a popular community bike ride returns for its first event on Thursday. Those overseeing Sandusky Bay Cycles welcome any non-motorized rider — bicyclists, rollerblades, skateboarders, scooterists and others — to stop out for what's known as the Happy Thursday Cruiser Ride. Beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, people can meet at Washington Park near City Hall and Vita. The first week boasts a "reggae reunion" theme. Riders leave promptly at 7 p.m. for an hour-long leisurely, slow-paced journey around Sandusky. The ride — which takes a different route each time and spans less than 10 miles — goes at a pace comfortable for all skill levels. Sandusky Bay Cycles, a nonprofit, describes itself as "united by our love of bike rides and passionate about sharing resources with each other and the community." But why the "Happy Thursday" phrasing? Riders happily shout the phrase to people as they pass by their homes when trekking through various city neighborhoods. Pedaling for a purpose "We started the ride in 2019 because we wanted to connect with others of all ages and abilities who had a passion for riding bikes and exploring this beautiful city full of unique neighborhoods," said Elisabeth Sowecke, one of the organization's co-founders. Quite often, on given nights throughout 2022, the ride garnered more than 100 participants. "We think the ride has grown not only because Sandusky is a wonderfully bikeable city but because the ride itself is a positive way to connect to others and to celebrate community," Sowecke said. "No doubt the combination of our weekly musical themes, waterfront sunset views while exercising and finales at Party on Pier help to attract a good crowd every week as well." Among the staunchest supporters of Sandusky Bay Cycles and frequent faces during the Happy Thursday rides is Kimberly Sherer. "I've met a really nice group of people, and we do things outside of biking, such as bowling in the wintertime," Sherer said. "All we are is a good group of people that have fun together, enjoy each other's company, the outside, Sandusky and our community." Framing up Sandusky Bay Cycles The Happy Thursday cruiser rides represent the largest public outreach component of Sandusky Bay Cycles. "People seem to know us for the bike rides but being able to get people on bikes and provide them with safety gear is what we are most passionate about," said Kippie Loughlin, the nonprofit's other co-founder. It plays into Sandusky Bay Cycle's main mission, which aims to "raise bicycle awareness and safety behind the scenes," Loughlin said. "In 2022, we were able to give away 17 bicycles to those in need and donated 40-plus helmets," Loughlin said. "We were also able to give away 300 bicycle bells and make countless repairs at no cost. We also attended several community events to promote cycling and safety." For Loughlin and others, it's a calling. "We do this because we love it, and the community that shows up and rides every week is what makes these rides so special," Loughlin said. He continued: "We are a fun group of people who come from all walks of life to ride our bicycles. We have had kids as young as a few months old and adults over 85 that ride with us. Locals really come together for their love of biking and sense of community. We look forward to the rides every week. It has taken on a life of its own." Let's go for a ride For someone who's never attended before, Loughlin painted a picture for what a typical Happy Thursday Cruiser Ride looks like. They're often set to a different theme each week. "There are bikes outfitted with music speakers, bikes with animal carriers, bikes with kid carriers, bikes with noise makers and even some electric bikes," Loughlin said. "The themes really took off last year, too. Some of my favorites were the Pajama Ride, Hip-Hop Ride and the Hawaiian Ride. One lady showed up wearing a nightie, slippers and curlers for the pajama ride. With all the costumes, bells, and lights, the rides kind of become mobile performance art." These rides generally garner people from Sandusky and surrounding areas. Sometimes locals join in midway through a ride. "We really love it when people see us and decide to tag along while riding," Loughlin 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." Quite often, rides culminate at Jackson Street Pier, where people can often enjoy a free concert from Sandusky's flagship waterfront public property. "This makes for an amazing Thursday," Loughlin said. "Miles of dazzling shoreline and clusters of colorful neighborhoods along with biking with friends, live music and positive vibes. It's truly beautiful." Loughlin can't wait for the 2023 season to start. "Thursdays in Sandusky are magical, and it is a group effort that makes these events so special," Loughlin said. "From the tolerant city to the welcoming businesses and residents who come out to say hello, we believe we have built something special in Sandusky, and we are just getting started." 2023 theme nights People are encouraged to dress up in different clothing depending on the date. Here's a look at this year's theme nights for the Happy Thursday Ride nights: • June 1 — reggae reunion • June 8 — pink • June 15 — wigs and hats • June 22 — Pride • June 29 — 4th of July • July 6 — Hawaiian • July 13 — 1980s • July 20 — pirate • July 27 — Christmas in July • Aug. 3 — tie-dye • Aug. 10 — sporty • Aug. 17 — sunflower and 1990s serenade • Aug. 24 — hip-hop • Aug. 31 — full moon • Sept. 7 — glow • Sept. 14 — green • Sept. 21 — pajamas • Sept. 28 — Oktoberfest • Oct. 5 — Cinco De Mayo/Octobre • Oct. 12 — Halloween costume Want to go? • What: Sandusky Bay Cycles, a group of people who ride their bicycles, skateboards, rollerblades and more around Sandusky • Where: Meet at Washington Park by Vita Sandusky and City Hall; The ride goes around Sandusky and spans less than 10 miles. • When: The ride promptly starts at 7 p.m. in the warmer months. The ride goes for about an hour. People start gathering at about 6:30 p.m. • Who: Anyone can ride. Participants must bring their own bicycles. Those who ride on skateboards, rollerblades and/or electric bicycles are also encouraged to attend. • More: People can learn more by visiting facebook.com/sanduskybaycycles