By Ann Escamilla, Staff Reporter.
Most people have gone for a bike ride in their lifetime, but how about bike riding with a group of people while wearing Halloween costumes? Saturday, Nov. 1 a spooktacular bike ride event called Bay City Boo-Cycle Halloween Costume Ride will be taking place to promote cycling safety. “I always wanted to do something like this,” said creator, Tyler Downing of Saginaw. Starting at Bemo’s Bar, 701 S Madison Ave, at 6 p.m. riders will take off riding through downtown Bay City to Carroll Park and ending back at Bemo’s making the casual five mile ride very doable for any type of rider.
Riders will be updated on hand signals, the use of helmets, light reflectors, and how to ride with other people while still having fun. “Safety is the biggest thing. I saw people almost get hit [during the Alleycat race],” said Downing.
With this event promoting cycle awareness to riders, riders should also be cautious of the type of costumes they wear while bike riding.
“Definitely keep it functional. No mummies, no blanket sheet ghosts. Exercise common sense,” said Downing. “No babies projecting from your body,” joked co-founder, Dilion Forester. Along with promoting riders safety the two also want to focus on the growing cyclist community.
The event will not be a race, therefore bikers will move at a slower pace which encourages riders of all ages and skill levels to come out and have a good time.
“We want to bring everyone together. No one gets left behind,” said Forester.
Most riders have had a scary moment on a bike, whether from almost getting hit or just taking a huge spill. But for these two cyclist the scary moments were almost dying.
When talking about biker safety Downing said, “There’s a lot of aggression in Bay City and Saginaw [toward bikers]. I got honked at 4 times, cursed at along with almost getting into fights.” “We want to do our hobby without dying or getting cursed at,” said Forester.
Downing hopes to to make this more than a yearly event. “Not even just big events like this but group rides once a week. It’s really great to stay motivated,” said Downing.
To follow up with the spooky ride, an after-party will be offered at Bemo’s Bar (ages 21+) with live music from Marsupial Creampie from Bay City, The Savior Machine from Bay City and more to be announced. Prizes will be given, though not for the ride as it is not a race. A cash prize will be given away for the most festive costume.