Biking organization creates a new holiday tradition

  • 2014-12-17
Inland Empire Biking Alliance (IEBA) is presenting its 2nd annual Riverside Christmas Ride in just a few days’ time.

This family event is a five-mile ride to view Riverside’s Christmas lights and participate in holiday cheer while meandering through Historic Riverside. Last year’s event, The Nightmare before Christmas Bike Ride, had more than 350 participants.

This year’s ride is called ‘Christmas in the Tropics’. Participants are encouraged to wear tropical costumes such as hula skirts, Hawaiian shirts, or pirate attire with an accompanying parrot. There will be a prize for best dressed rider. Pictures of the event should prove interesting for the City of Riverside’s 2015 brochure and poster printing.

IEBA’s mission is “to unify the cycling community to have a stronger voice in promoting bicycling for transportation and recreation”. Some of its ongoing programs include a Safe Route to School, Bike Safety and Skills, The Bicycle Friendly Business, and Kids’ Bicycle Ambassador. A new program, the Adult Bicycle Ambassador, is currently seeking energetic, friendly bike enthusiasts who will be willing to volunteer their time to educate new riders, along with those who are new to the area.

Participating bikers are to meet Sunday, December 21, at 4:30 pm in front of Riverside City Hall at 3900 Main Street, Riverside. Children under the age of 18 need to bring their bike helmets. Registration is advised.