KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – It will be a big weekend for bicyclists around Kalamazoo County.
This year’s Fall Bike Celebration Weekend offers a 7+ route Bike Tour, a kid’s Bike Rodeo, a Farmers Market Cycle-In event, guided tours of the Vicksburg Historic Village and Vicksburg Mill Project, plus live and online presentations.
Founder Paul Selden says Bike Friendly Kalamazoo’s intention is to “build community through bicycling.” The event is also designed to raise awareness of the need to bike and drive safely as the hours of darkness increase.
Friday, September 16 the first 30 shoppers riding in by bike to the Vicksburg Farmers Market can receive a $5 coupon good for purchases at the Farmers Market. The Vicksburg Historic Village is also offering guided 45 minute tours to anyone wishing to learn more about this wonderful recreation of life in southwest Michigan at the turn of the 1900’s.
Saturday a free Bike Rodeo for children from the entire area is planned for the morning of Saturday Sept 17, organized by Safe Kids of Kalamazoo County. This fun event aims to teach and encourage kids to ride bikes safely on a closed course set up with fun bicycling challenges. The Rodeo includes a helmet and mechanical check, plus a chance to have fun learning the rules of the road.
Saturday also features a tour of the Vicksburg Mill Project that is open to the public, additional guided tours of the Vicksburg Historic Village, a bicycle mural exhibit, and an Ice Cream Social at Apple Knockers Ice Cream Parlor for pre-registered riders.
(courtesy Bike Friendly Kalamazoo)
Sunday, September 17 the Fall Bike Celebration Bike Tour will offer routes that take cyclists back in time, starting and ending at the lovingly restored Vicksburg Historic Village while featuring views of the Vicksburg Quilt Trail paintings. Cyclists can pick from scenic destinations all the way to Shipshewana, with views of Michigan’s longest covered bridge, take in highlights of the Vicksburg Quilt Trail, visit Scotts Mill Park, ride through the village of Climax, as well as more bite-sized family-friendly routes.
New for this year is a so-called gravel ride featuring a rest stop at the beautiful Rawson’s King Mill Park in Leonidas.
The weekend long event is organized by civic leaders, local charities and bike-related organizations. Some activities are free, some require waivers and some require children to be accompanied by an adult.
Bill Adams, former Vicksburg Village President is enthusiastic. “Vicksburg welcomes bicyclists and encourages everyone from the region to enjoy the Fall Bike Celebration. We are grateful for the support of the generous sponsors and wonderful in-kind supporters who make this fantastic fall bicycle festival possible.”
For updates, see www.fallbikecelebration.org/schedule/.
