Written by Mollie Lund
Bike enthusiasts across the Western Carolinas are ramping up for the 2nd annual Asheville Bike Fest. Organized by Asheville on Bikes and presented by Cane Creek Cycling Components, this year’s Bike Fest will be held at Rabbit Rabbit in downtown Asheville from Friday, July 14th to Sunday, July 16th. Festivities will include a host of family-friendly events, activities, presentations, and workshops catered to cyclists of all ages and skill levels.
The event will kick off with presentations from some of Western North Carolina’s leading innovators and advocates, including the founder of the Gran Fondo National Series and the principal of Kid Cycle Club. These presentations will be held on Friday, July 14th from 6-8 p.m. at Gravelo Workshop. The event will also open up to a social period, during which attendees and presenters alike can enjoy a pint and conversation thanks to the generosity of Asheville Brewing Company. Seating is limited to 100 guests, so be sure to RSVP here if you are interested in attending Bike Fest Industry Night.
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The Bike Fest fun continues on Saturday at Rabbit Rabbit’s outdoor venue. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. younger riders will have the opportunity to hone their skills on a variety of beginner-friendly obstacles at the Kid Cycle Club’s Pop-Up Bike Park. There will also be a Kid’s Bicycle Demo during this time, giving kids the chance to test out new bikes.
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Starting at noon, events will then open up to riders of all ages for the “Clinics and Gimmicks” portion of the day. The clinics will include two educational classes on bike maintenance as well as a cargo bike showcase. These clinics have limited availability, and you can click here to learn more. The gimmicks portion of the day will include a variety of fun challenges and competitions, including a paper delivery challenge and a slow race.
Following an optional evening social ride, Asheville’s first in-person Bicycle Film Festival will be held at Rabbit Rabbit. This will include a variety of bicycle-themed short films, which will feature a variety of uplifting stories aimed at capturing the uplifting and youthful spirit of bicycle culture. If you are interested in attending the film festival, be sure to click here to order advance tickets.
Bike Fest will conclude with the Gran Fondo Asheville on Sunday, July 16th, 2023. Riders will be able to choose between a 100-, 60-, and 30-mile route, all of which will lead them throughout north and west Asheville. Race participants will be able to pick up their packets at Rabbit Rabbit on Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning. If you are interested in participating in this year’s Gran Fondo National Championship, be sure to click here to register.
Photos courtesy of Asheville Bike Fest