Lake Erie Cyclefest rolls into Erie this weekend, supporting six different non-profits and joining a packed lineup of regional events, including the King of Bass Fishing Tournament, Summer Freeze Softball Tournament, Millcreek Summer Sizzler Baseball Tournament and the Mid-Summer Classic.
Lake Erie Cyclefest, sponsored by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and AHN Saint Vincent Hospital, returns to Erie County this Thursday through Sunday with six unique rides across the Erie region. This annual event provides an opportunity for cyclists of all skill levels to enjoy rides featuring different lengths, difficulties, obstacles and surfaces.
Experience breathtaking landscapes and Erie County’s abundant natural resources and spectacular routes, while enjoying the type of community that can only be found at a cycling festival. Routes are along sandy beaches and through old-growth forests, across our vibrant downtown and our expansive grape-growing region.
Cyclists of all ages from across the region will take part in self-supported rides hosted by local nonprofit organizations: Asbury Woods, Because You Care, Inc., Bike Erie, Erie Cancer Wellness Center, Erie Downtown Partnership, Northern Allegheny Mountain Bike Association, and Presque Isle Partnership.
The specific rides and times include:
Lake Erie Cyclefest Downtown Slow Roll – Thursday, July 23rd
Hosted by the Erie Downtown Partnership: 6 p.m., loop not exceeding 10-miles starting and ending in Perry Square.
See Spot Ride for Animal Rescue – Friday, July 24th
Hosted by Because You Care, Inc.: Rides begin at 8:30 a.m. (50-mile), 9 a.m. (40-mile gravel), 9:30 a.m. (25-mile) and 10 a.m. (10-mile) at Port Farms Poverty Knob Brewery.
Tour de West County – Saturday, July 25th
Hosted by Asbury Woods: Rides start at 8 a.m. (50-mile), 9 a.m. (25-mile) and 10 a.m. (12-mile) at the Asbury Woods Nature Center.
Six Mile Creek Classic – Saturday, July 25th
Hosted by the Northern Allegheny Mountain Bike Association: Held at Six Mile Creek Park in Harborcreek Township starting at 10 a.m.
Presque Isle Sunrise Ride – Sunday, July 26th
Hosted by Presque Isle Partnership: Held at Presque Isle State Park starting at 6:09 a.m.
Grape Escape – Sunday, July 26th
Hosted by the Erie Cancer Wellness Center: Rides begin at 8:30 (50-mile) and 9:30 (25-mile) at North East Middle School ending at South Shore Winery.
Registration for Lake Erie Cyclefest is still open. To learn more and register online, visit LakeErieCyclefest.org.
Lake Erie Cyclefest is presented by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and AHN Saint Vincent Hospital, with further support from the Presque Isle Downs & Casino, VisitErie, Erie News Now and the Erie Sports Commission.
Also taking place Saturday and Sunday is the Kings of Bass fishing tournament, hosted by the Western PA Team Bass Series. The tournament will be held from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day. Boats will launch from the West Pier Launch Ramp at Presque Isle State Park, giving participants access to the calm interior waters where largemouth thrive as well as open lake areas known for producing strong smallmouth catches.
This fishing tournament attracts anglers from across New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Participants will face a distinctive test of skill as they pursue largemouth bass on one day and smallmouth bass on the other, requiring them to read conditions, adjust techniques and transition between very different environments within a short period of time.
The 10th Annual Summer Freeze, hosted by Union City Little League, goes underway from Wednesday to Friday at the Union City Little League Fields for ages 8U to 18U. The tournament will follow a four-game guarantee format, with games beginning Friday at 1 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Competition will continue Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Also, on the lineup for Thursday through Sunday is the Millcreek Summer Sizzler 15U Baseball Tournament at the McDowell High School Hanlon Athletic Complex. The tournament will follow a three-game guarantee with semifinal and championship games.
Finishing off the weekend on Sunday is the Mid-Summer Classic, hosted by Lake Erie Disc Golf Club. Athletes of all ages and divisions will compete in two 18-hole rounds at The Ridge Disc Golf Course from 9:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with awards to follow.
