Socializing on Two Wheels: Community Rides and Races

In Guides, Outdoors by Sage Davisleave a COMMENT

Bicycling isn’t just for getting to work or sweating profusely in the Urban Wilderness—it’s also your ticket for meeting new friends on community rides, races, and movie nights.

American Red Cross Presents Pedal for Red

Location: East Jackson Avenue
Info: crowdrise.com/pedal-for-the-red
The first charity-driven community bike ride by the Red Cross will be held downtown on June 24, 7:30-9:30 a.m., with a route from the Old City to the Neyland Stadium. It will kick off the cycling weekend of the USA Cycling National Championship. All amateur cyclists need to register to help raise funds for Red Cross.

Bike-In Movie Series

Location: The Mill & Mine (27 W. Depot Ave.)
Info: themillandmine.com
This summer, the live performance venue is hosting its first Bike-In movie series, showing classic movies until August. Movies will be screened outside in the courtyard; $9 for adults, $7 for kids.

• July 7, 9 p.m.: Harry Potter and the Chamber of the Secrets

• July 16, 9 p.m.: Back to the Future

• August 3, 9 p.m.: Ghostbusters

Biketopia

Location: Biketopia Bike Shop (996 E. Emory Rd.)
Info: biketopia.com
Biketopia will be hosting nightly bike rides every Tuesday nights through the end of July. The rides will start at 6:30 p.m., with either a 25- or 32-mile route. The pace will vary between 15 to 20 mph. Lights are recommended for the evening ride.

Cedar Bluff Cycles

Location: Cedar Bluff Cycles (9282 Kingston Pike)
Info: cedarbluffcycles.net
Cedar Bluff Cycles hosts a women’s community ride for beginners and expert riders. Trek women’s advocate Lisa Mueller will be leading novice to expert cycling riders from June to July. These rides will be catered toward mountain bike riders of all levels to enjoy. Each ride will be up to 15 miles depending on the pace the riders keep. At Women’s Night: Plan Your Ride, Mueller will share guidelines on planning a successful ride on roads or trails, and dealing with unexpected complications.

• June 21: Women’s Night: Plan Your Ride at Cedar Bluff Cycles, 7 p.m.

• June 22: Women’s Ride: 4th Thursday Mountain Bike ride at Mead’s Quarry, 6 p.m.

• July 22: Women’s Ride: Loyston Lazy Day at Loyston Point Campground (730 Loyston Point Rd.), 9 a.m.

• Tuesday & Thursday Night Rides, 6:20 p.m.: All genders are welcome for a two-hour ride of about 41 miles. For the Tuesday night rides, groups will be split into three categories based on their skills. These weekly events will be available until the end of September.

DreamBikes

Location: 309 N. Central St.
Info: facebook.com/dreambikesknoxville
This nonprofit organization offers community rides for all levels of cyclists, Saturday, June 24, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The 5-mile route starts at the DreamBikes shop, with a casual pace on the safe roads.

Knox Bike Racing

Location: Varies
Info: knoxbikeracing.com/wednesday-series
Every Wednesday, Knox Bike Racing hosts cross-country mountain bike races. Adults and minors can join from any level of experience. Medals will be awarded for each category of each race. Participants must race in at least seven out of the 10 races to qualify for the overall prizes at the end of the season.

Pre-Registration: Adults: $22 Juniors: $15

Registration day of Race: Adults: $25 Juniors: $15

• June 28: Baker Creek Preserve (3700 Lancaster Dr.), 6:15 p.m.

• July 12: Baker Creek Preserve (3700 Lancaster Dr.), 6:15 p.m.

• July 19: IC King-North Side (440 Alcoa Hwy.), 6:15 p.m.

• July 26: Mead’s Quarry-Hickory Loop (2915 Island Home Ave.), 6:15 p.m.

River Sports Outfitters Greenway Social Ride

Location: 2918 Sutherland Ave.
Info: riversportsoutfitters.com
River Sports Outfitters gives cyclists the chance to ride every Thursday with them at 6 p.m. The rides are easy paced and beginner-friendly. Participants can bring their own bikes or rent one from them for $10.

REI Presents Women’s Fix-A-Flat Hands-On Bike Maintenance

Location: 6700 Papermill Drive
Info: rei.com
On June 21 at 6 p.m., REI will be sharing tips and tricks in their bike maintenance class on fixing flat tires and changing a bike tube. Participants must bring their own wheel, tire, and tube to practice on during the class. All tools and equipment will be provided. For REI members, the class will cost $20; for nonmembers it will cost $40.

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