Who would have thought it was the third week in July in Lawrence! Approximately 175 people came out over the course of Saturday morning to participate in the 4th annual Lawrence Community Bike Ride at Lawrence’s Rotary Arboretum.

There was a 10 mile (actually 11.1) mile ride that rolled out at 8:00am followed by a three mile ride out to Clinton Park’s Sander’s Mound at 8:30 whole local kids rode around the 1 mile closed loop at around the Arboretum throughout the morning.

Funds raised were used to purchase kid’s bike helmets that were free to kids who came and they were also fitted on-site to make sure there was a proper fit.

RideLawrence.com is a service of the Lawrence Central Rotary and we’d again like to thank all the sponsors who make this event possible:  Anderson Rentals, The Merc, Sunflower Outdoor & Bike, Lawrence Econolodge, Ryde Barre, Ortho Kansas, McDonalds, GP Velotek, Lawrence Bicycle Club, Lawrence Community Hospital, Safe Kids Douglas County, and Bev West Creative.

We’re in the planning stages for a new fall Community Bike Ride on Lawrence’s East side starting from the Haskell University Stadium Parking lot and riding the Burroughs Creek Trail. The Ride is scheduled for September 20th and more information if coming soon. If you’d like to be a part and volunteer or help sponsor please email us at [email protected].

Below is a galley of images we took on Saturday – enjoy!

Lawrence Central Rotary Club is hosting a Lawrence Community Bike Ride on Saturday, July 19, at the Lawrence Rotary Arboretum, 5100 W. 27^th St., near the Youth Sports Complex soccer fields. The event is open to anyone and there is no cost to participate.

There will be three rides to choose from and they all travel along the South Lawrence Trafficway bicycle path, a paved surface that is a car-free environment:

• Ten-mile ride. It begins at 8 a.m. and travels almost to the Lecompton interchange on the Kansas Turnpike and back.
• Three-mile ride. It begins at 8:30 a.m. and goes to the Clinton Lake Overlook and back.
• One-mile ride. It loops around the pond at the Lawrence Rotary Arboretum and is available anytime between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Other activities from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. include:

• A Training Wheel Takeoff. Experts will help children who are ready to take off their training wheels in a safe environment.
• Safety Zone. Safe Kids Douglas County will help outfit children with helmets while supplies last and provide bicycling safety tips.

“We hope more and more people discover cycling as a fun and healthy activity,” said Steve Lane, a member of Central Rotary Club. “This event is a great opportunity for families and individuals to enjoy cycling in a safe and scenic area of Lawrence.”

Participants should wear a bicycle helmet and they are encouraged to bring water and wear sunscreen. This is the third year for the Community Bike Ride. The first event in 2011 drew 50 participants, followed by 125 in 2012. Last year’s event was rained out.

If it is raining July 19, the ride will be held on Sunday, July 20, at the same times. Registration for the event is required and can be done before the event. For more information, visit ridelawrence.com.

Releases will be available at the event or you can download one HERE.