Event Description

Lake Erie Cyclefest 

When Lake Erie Cyclefest began back in the summer of 2017, its mission was a simple equation of good health, community, and business through cycling. Over the last four years, that equation has served us well. Lake Erie Cyclefest has encouraged thousands and thousands of people - all ages, shapes, and sizes - to ride their bicycles to and around all corners of Erie County.  This summer, Lake Erie Cyclefest’s healthy mission is being challenged by an unprecedented health crisis which has caused a mandated Erie County cancellation of every event this summer.  So - we’re taking an adventurous detour and growing Lake Erie Cyclefest from four days to 62 days, offer rolling registrations, memorable merchandise, and best of all, good health through cycling.

A Different Route Supports Non-Profit Partners-  

These self-contained bicycling adventures benefit the important work of three local nonprofits and their community relief efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. These nonprofits showed up for the Erie community in B-I-G ways from supporting local students through connectivity to classroom learning, to first responders providing for the critical healthcare needs of the region, and supporting families with essentials like childcare and food. During this time, these nonprofits went around the roadblock and took a different route. Despite posting a combined multi-million dollar net revenue loss – they pivoted their business models, made investments, redeployed staff, and answered community needs.

Your participation in this year’s Lake Erie Cyclefest will help WQLN Public Broadcasting, EmergyCare and the YMCA of Greater Erie to course correct from the impact of COVID-19 and re-establish a firm foundation for generations to come.

WQLN PBS NPR-

WQLN knows information is powerful, especially in a time of crisis. That’s why we’ve redirected our limited resources to help connect our community with necessary information during this Covid-19 pandemic. WQLN is working with government officials, health experts, and all local media to make sure you have daily updates on this global pandemic. This is a rare type of community collaboration that is only possible when everyone is committed to working together to keep you safe.

Additionally, using a wealth of resources, WQLN Homeroom created a bridge to distance learning opportunities and engaging experiences while students are all staying safe at home. WQLN brings learning lessons to life by airing lessons from several local school districts thus bridging the connectivity issue faced by low-income and rural students.

EmergyCare –

EmergyCare is one of the largest non-profit EMS providers in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. EmergyCare’s EMTs, Paramedics, PreHospital Nurses, and dispatch center have been on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic response. EmergyCare receives no tax revenue from the communities they served. EmergyCare funds its operations and equipment upgrades through an annual membership campaign, fee for service revenue, community donations, special event fundraising, and grants. During COVID-19, EmergyCare had to invest over $50,000 in unbudgeted funds for additional PPE and equipment to protect our staff and patients.   

YMCA of Greater Erie –

Since 1860 and throughout the Y’s history, the Y has been called upon to provide critical services during challenging or uncertain times. Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, our Y closed its physical doors and pivoted operations very quickly to meet emerging community needs like essential childcare for the "life-sustaining" workforce, emergency meals for children living with food insecurity, operation REACH to touch populations to reduce social isolation and launched a virtual platform to provide at-home tips and resources for all. 

A Guide to Your Adventure- 

Your registration will give you access to the routes through RaceJoy. Download the free-to-you RaceJoy app from the App Store (free) and track fellow cyclists, send-a-cheer, tweet your progress, post pictures, and more. Set your GPS and complete your adventure between July 1 and August 31, 2020 following the safety guidelines provided to you by the CDC and local and state health officials.

Your participation fee unlocks local favorite bicycling tours designed by local bicycling enthusiasts and featured for the first time as part of Lake Erie Cyclefest:

Exclusive Cyclist Adventure Pack-

Not only does your participation fee benefit Lake Erie Cyclefest’s non-profit partners but it includes exclusive access to RaceJoy and digital route maps for downloads!

Book your corporate rate for Lake Erie Cyclefest

Hotel partners for 2020 are Courtyard Erie Bayfront or Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel  

https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1582651118945&key=CORP&app=resvlink