KENNEWICK, Wash. – As part of National Bike Month, biking enthusiasts have an opportunity to join the Tri-Cities Bike Expo and the Inland Empire Century Ride.
The events aim to bring the community together to celebrate biking as a mode of transportation and community building.
Erin Braich, BFCOG’s MPO Director and Board Member for Bike Tri-Cities, mentioned, “The Bike Tri-Cities Bike Expo is in coordination with the Inland Empire Century Ride. Visitors can come down and expect to learn about biking in our community, bike safety, and just garner some overall enthusiasm about the growing bike community in our region.”
Braich also said, “We’ll have two food vendors down here, and a coffee truck. And then we’ll also have Ben Franklin Transit, REI, and other vendors related to active community and bike riding.”
The Inland Empire Century Ride is an annual event offering four distance options: 25, 50, 75, and 100 miles.
Braich explained, “It’s not a race, so you can start any time that you’d want and finish and then come and enjoy the Bike Expo.”
Aaron also mentioned a trail cleanup opportunity scheduled for Saturday, May 17, where participants can meet at the BFT headquarters to clean up the trail.
In addition to these events, Braich noted a raffle opportunity. “If you sign up to be a Bike Tri-Cities supporter during the month of May, you will be entered into a raffle that you will be drawn on June 4th,” he said.
Braich, who grew up in the area, shared his perspective on the growing bike community in the Tri-Cities. “There’s a growing overall enthusiasm about having the alternative to ride your bike, either commuting or recreationally,” Braich said.
He continued, “We have great trails here running along this beautiful river, so being able to foster a more robust community for that for everybody.”
For more information about the Bike Expo and other National Bike Month events, visit Bike Tri-Cities’.
