Tent, Picnic, Fish, Boat, and Bike!
It’s never too late to think about participating in, or even organizing, a bicycle riding event.
Bicycling is only getting more popular; before the pandemic struck in 2020, the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy estimated that recreational cycling was increasing every year. During the pandemic, demand for bicycles surged, and more Americans than ever took to cycling. Approximately 8.5 million Californians will take a bike ride at least several times this month. Before the Covid pandemic there were twelve bike events in Caltrans District 10, making Northern California’s the Central Valley, Motherlode and Sierra a Northern California popular bike riding destinations. Many of those rides are returning and some cancelled because of the pandemic; and there’s a list at the end of this letter of events coming or anticipated in 2022.
Cycling in the time of Covid has become a popular way for people to gather and socialize; being outdoors together is considered by many a safer way to build community. So it’s only natural that people might flock to organized cycling events.
Organized cycling events are invaluable for sponsoring communities and organizations who use them as fundraisers. Bicycle events like the ones listed below attract new visitors who may not have realized the attractions of a particular region.
Bicycle events get “heads in beds,” with increased overnight guests supporting the local hospitality industry. Studies have shown that bicyclists spend more nights in an area compared to non-cycling visitors. In addition, because bicycling is a physical activity, bicyclists require food and drink. Lots of it.
From Bob Fores, Stanislaus County Ride for Mom Coordinator, “Over the past eight years, over 2,000 riders and 500 volunteers have participated in the event. Including 2020, due to the generous support of sponsors, volunteers and participants, RFM has distributed over $100,000 in grants and bicycles to local beneficiaries that personify “Be Active Eat Healthy Live Better”.
CalBike prepared A Toolkit for Organizers of Bike Rides and it is a step-by-step manual for anyone who wants to sponsor a bike ride to raise money for local charities or projects. This Toolkit for Businesses is a how-to manual for businesses and organizations that want to be known as bicycle-friendly. All of these resources are provided online, and, in printed format, as appendices in this document.
In 2022, bicycle events continue to raise money for charities and bring tourists to four counties in Caltrans District 10.
The following bike events in Caltrans District 10 are scheduled or planned for 2022.
The economic values of each bike ride event are an estimate of potential fundraising earnings and increased tourism opportunities.
CALAVERAS COUNTY
Ride&Walk 4 Art
March 20, 2022
150 participants @ $50 = $7,500
Proceeds for County Public Schools Art Education Programs
Party Pardee
April 2, 2022 Registration Sold Out
1,400 participants @ $65 = $91,000
Proceeds support the Sacramento Cycling Community, Programs and Events
Mr. Frogs Ride
May 7, 2022 250 participants @ $60 = $15,000
Proceeds Support Feeney Park Foundation
SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY
Delta Century
April 30, 2022
300 participants @ $ 45 = $13,500
Proceeds distributed to local charities and non profits
Tour delle Vine
May 14, 2022 350 participants @ $65 = $22,750
Procceeds support the Lodi Sunrise Rotary Club community service projects
Best Ride
May 21, 2022
150 participants @ $40 = $6,000
Proceeds support bike advocacy and events in San Joaquin County
STANISLAUS COUNTY
Mom’s Ride https://rideformom.com
May 8, 2022 250 participants @ $60 = $15,000
Proceeds support Be Active, Eat Healthy, Live Better Grants
Golden Hills
250 participants @ $60 = $15,000
Returning 2023
Proceeds support the Second Harvest Food Bank’s Food 4 Thought program, bicycle safety, bicycle advocacy, helmets for kids, ride leader training, and Share-The-Road-Signs
ALPINE COUNTY
Ebbett’s Pass Century
Event Planned for 2022, Date Not Set
250 participants @ $95 = $23,750
Proceeds support Bear Valley Charities
Alta Alpina Challenge
June 25, 2022
250 participants @ $95 = $23,750
Proceeds support youth mountain bike cycling programs, bike advocacy road safety, trail development.
Death Ride
July 16, 2022
1,200 participants @ $170 = $204,000
Proceeds support the Alpine County Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center
Sources
Surge in demand
https://www.peopleforbikes.org/news/how-bicycling-changed-during-a-pandemic