2nd Annual Bike for Beck Rides Comes to Lakewood Today

Be on the lookout for one-of-a-kind hand-decorated bikes all around Lakewood as part of Bike Your Art Out, an art installation publicizing Connect to Beck's second annual Bike for Beck bicycle tour today, May 19, 2013. With over a hundred riders and several hundred more attendees at Beck Fest following last year's bicycle tour, the inaugural event was a tremendous success. This year, C2B hopes to build on last year's accomplishments and offer even more activities, art displays, food, music, and other cycling-related fun.

Registration is now open for Bike for Beck. The cost is $40 per cyclist and includes a B4B t-shirt and rider packet. Riders may register online at bikeforbeck.org. All proceeds benefit the quality arts education programs at Beck Center for the Arts.

The festivities kick off with rider registration between 8 and 10 a.m. in Beck Center's main lobby, where cyclists may participate in a warm-up stretch class provided by the Lakewood YMCA. From there, riders choose 12-, 25- or 60-mile routes through the scenic Cleveland Metroparks, returning back to Beck Center to complete their tour. Snacks and water are provided at designated stops along the bike route. For non-cyclists, the YMCA is offering a free Zumba dance fitness class at Beck Center.

Riders, their families and the community are invited to the post-ride event Beck Fest, a day of fun, family-friendly activities from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the Beck Center campus. Visitors can check out all the creative programs Beck Center has to offer including improvisational comedy, dance performances, and much more until 2pm. Bike enthusiasts will also enjoy cycling art and learn more about area bike clubs and shops from local experts. Guests may also take a chance on bicycle raffle baskets.

On the entertainment front, last year's favorite musical groups, Fireside and the Revolution Brass Band return to the Red Stage, joined this year by The Madison Crawl, Jerry Popiel, and Chris Hatton. Popular bicycle team 216-BIKE will perform stunts and tricks throughout the day. Refreshments at Beck Fest are available from local establishments and food truck favorites, Fired Up Taco Truck and DonutLAB.

Bike for Beck is sponsored by Vision Source/Madison Eye Care, Krylon, Lakewood Hospital and Turner Construction with additional support from AFLAC, American Tank & Fabricating Co. Comfort Dental Group, Dimit Architects, LLC, Drs. Harter Family Dentistry, Jeffrey W. Laubmeier, DMD, First Federal of Lakewood, Norris Family Chiropractic, Pelaia Media Group, Rocky River Urgent Care, the University of Akron, and University Tees.

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