42
F, cloudy and breezy
Halloween bike rides are gaining popularity around the country. Because it's not a race it's inclusive, appealing to all ages, most especially families. Combining fun or ghoulish costumes with cycling is like a big party. Burlington's Halloween Bike Ride started about 5 years ago, with this year's event drawing 300 people.
No time to dilly dally; it was pretty chilly, yet it started late, as always. I was delighted to see a slew of volunteers gathered for a meeting. These are the folks that guard intersections, making it safer for all riders.
Some attendees go all out, decorating bicycles too.
This is the only time of year we can legally ride on pedestrian-only Church Street. Someone chuckled at the sandwich boards specifying " Walk Your Bikes". The Halloween ride is sanctioned by the city, led by police car.
New this year: stenciled markings on the route. I immediately noticed the "Shared Streets Not Scared Streets" symbol—a cat on wheels.
The ride zig zagged all over the city this time, north end, downtown, and south end neighborhoods—over three miles.
It was also a nice way to observe decorated houses and yards.
We hoot and holler, ring bells. Someone had Halloween themed music blasting from a player hidden within their milk crate. People came outside to watch.
The parade ends at Maglianero for food and festivities.
There is temporary bike parking. Suspend your bike seat from horizontal piping.
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| My friend, Adele and I, pre-ride. Photo credit: Adele's husband. |
Yours truly in houndstooth jacket, spider atop helmet, and black wig. It's a quasi-costume, but I didn't want to show up without some sort of Halloween attire. Nearly everyone dresses up, which is what makes this a fun ride.
looks like fun
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