The Erie Sports Commission is pleased to announce that registration for the 2026 Lake Erie Cyclefest, sponsored by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and AHN Saint Vincent Hospital, begins today and has great options for every cycling goal. This year’s event, featuring six rides over four days across Erie County, will take place July 23-26 and will once again benefit nonprofit partner organizations.
New this year, the Erie Cancer Wellness Center will be joining Lake Erie Cyclefest by hosting the Grape Escape Ride, which will be held Sunday, July 26 in North East. Additionally, the See Spot Ride, Ride for Animal Rescue, hosted by Because You Care, Inc., will be held at Port Farms Poverty Knob Brewery in Waterford on Friday, July 24.
Those new to cycling can ease into it by joining shorter, beginner-friendly rides, while more experienced cyclists can choose from longer-distance routes that offer a greater challenge. Each ride features different scenery and varying levels of difficulty. Three of the six available rides include multiple different distance options for cyclists looking to just stay active or push their limits, and a separate option invites mountain bikers of all ages and skill levels to explore wooded trails in a local park.
“Lake Erie Cyclefest has become a staple event, welcoming hundreds of cyclists of all experience levels each year,” said Mark Jeanneret, executive director of the Erie Sports Commission. “We’re honored to partner with seven exceptional nonprofit organizations, including the Erie Cancer Wellness Center as our newest partner, that lead the rides and raise funds to support their individual missions.”
The other participating nonprofits include Asbury Woods, Bike Erie, Erie Downtown Partnership, Northern Allegheny Mountain Bike Association and Presque Isle Partnership. The Erie Sports Commission began managing the Lake Erie Cyclefest brand, executing event marketing and promotions and overseeing coordination of the hosted rides in 2021, ensuring the event continues to run annually as it has since 2017.
Registration is now open at www.lakeeriecyclefest.org.
Six rides will make up the all-cycling weekend:
Thursday, July 23, - Downtown Slow Roll, hosted by Erie Downtown Partnership and Bike Erie
6 p.m. @ Perry Square
Registration: Free and voluntary donations to Bike Erie are appreciated (pre-registration is required)
The Erie Downtown Partnership, in collaboration with Bike Erie, will kick off Lake Erie Cyclefest with its annual Downtown Slow Roll on Thursday, July 23. The family-friendly bike ride will feature a 10-mile easy ride, beginning and ending at Perry Square.
Friday, July 24 - See Spot Ride, hosted by Because You Care, Inc.
50-mile at 8:30 a.m., 40-mile gravel ride at 9 a.m., 25-mile at 9:30 a.m. and 10-mile at 10 a.m.
@ Port Farms Poverty Knob Brewery
Early Bird Registration: $40 through June 30
Enjoy a new experience this year! See Spot Ride is moving to historic Waterford, where the routes will take you through scenic, rural roads and farmland. Starting and ending at Port Farms Poverty Knob Brewery, your choices include routes of approximately 50-, 25-, or 10-mile rides, plus a new 40-mile gravel ride. Celebrate the day with lunch, drinks, music and plenty of adorable, adoptable furry friends.
Saturday, July 25 - Tour de West County, hosted by Asbury Woods
50-mile at 8 a.m., 25-mile at 9 a.m., and 12-mile at 10 a.m. @ Asbury Woods
Early Bird Registration: $40 through June 30
Tour de West County is one of the region's oldest recreational bike rides, offering an outstanding tradition of spectacular rides and after-ride fun. Routes will include ride-distance options of 12-, 25- and 50-miles on rolling hills, farmlands and meadows. The routes begin and end at Asbury Woods and will feature a post-ride picnic for registered cyclists.
Saturday, July 25 - Six Mile Creek Classic, hosted by Northern Allegheny Mountain Bike Association
10 a.m. @ Six Mile Creek Park
Early Bird Registration: $30 until June 30
The Six Mile Creek Classic offers mountain bikers the opportunity to race on the Trails at Six Mile at Six Mile Creek Park in Harborcreek Township. Riders will complete between two and four laps, depending on their class: beginner, youth, sport expert, single speed and Class 1 E-Bike will be offered. Helmets are mandatory to participate regardless of age or ability level.
Sunday, July 26 - Presque Isle Sunrise Ride, hosted by Presque Isle Partnership
5:30 a.m. @ Presque Isle State Park
Early Bird Registration: $35 through June 30
Cyclists will have the opportunity to become one with the rising sun at Erie’s most popular tourist destination, Presque Isle State Park, during the Presque Isle Sunrise Ride. The flat, 13-mile loop features water views on both sides and is one of the most spectacular routes in the region. The ride will be hosted on the final day of Discover Presque Isle, a multi-day celebration of all things Presque Isle! The Sunrise Ride will start at the Runner’s Club Pavilion on Beach 1, and all registered cyclists will be given a voucher for the Discover PI Pancake Breakfast at the Rotary Pavilion (7:30 a.m. – noon). Participants are also invited to enjoy a special sunrise tour of the Presque Isle Lighthouse and climb the 57 ft. tower (5:30-8 a.m.).
Sunday, July 26 - Grape Escape Ride, hosted by Erie Cancer Wellness Center
50-mile at 8:30 a.m. and 25-mile at 9:30 a.m.
Early Bird Registration: $40 through June 30
This year, the Grape Escape Ride is on Sunday, July 26, and is now hosted by the Erie Cancer Wellness Center. Be prepared for the rich aroma of grapes, scenic countryside views, and a winding route through vineyards that showcases the beauty of wine country. This ride offers two distance options of 25 and 50 miles, making it ideal for both seasoned cyclists and beginners. Enjoy refreshing lake breezes and the beauty of the countryside. Celebrate your morning adventure with fresh air and a great atmosphere.
All ride proceeds will benefit the hosting nonprofit organizations.
