Today marks the start of Bike Fest Tucson 2015. There are more than 60 events happening this month, but below you’ll find this week’s biggest events.
Friday: Bike-in movie
Location: Alvernon Park
3900 E. 3rd Street, Tucson 85711
Time 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
The Bike Fest Bike-In Movie Series is BACK and kicks off with “Breaking Away” – a classic story of trying to find your way and your place in your community in that trying summer after high school graduation. Cutters!
Movie synopsis: Dave (Dennis Christopher), one of four friends growing up in the small college town of Bloomington, IN, is obsessed with competitive bicycle racing. Adventures ensue as Dave searches for his place in the town and biking community.
This movie is from 1979 and features tight jeans and a really young Dennis Quaid (does anyone else think Tucson’s Tom McNamara looks like Dennis Quaid??). It’s awesome.
If this is your first time joining the Bike Fest Bike-In movie series here’s what to expect:
Local cycling advocates Collin Forbes and David Forbes (not related) have a completely portable large-screen, outdoor movie set-up that they bike around to different locations around town to show you great cycling-themed movies in unique, public places, like parks. Every part of the movie set-up is “wireless” meaning they don’t even need electricity to make it all happen. Can you see the movie? Yes. It is projected on a giant, 11-foot wide screen. Can you hear the movie? Yes. David Forbes bring loud speakers, mounted to his bike.You will need to bring: a blanket or something comfortable to sit on, snacks (some to share is nice too), and anything else you need to be comfortable. Last year, the organizers provided some portable camping stoves to make Jiffy Pop which will happen again this year.
This is truly a unique, fun, community-minded series of events you won’t want to miss. Tell all your friends and come find the Bike-In movie in a park near you!
Saturday: El Grupo Scavenger Hunt
Location: El Grupo Clubhouse
610 N 9th Ave, Tucson 85705
Time: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
El Grupo presents its 12th Annual Bicycle Scavenger Hunt, brought to you by New Belgium Brewing, as a fundraiser to support its mission of empowering youth through bicycles on Saturday, April 4th, 2015!
The super fun, challenging and yet also family-friendly event will start at 9am at El Grupo’s new clubhouse near downtown at 600 N. 9th Ave.
You bring your bike (and friends!). We will give you a map of the downtown area. On the back you will find 10 riddles to solve and 10 objects to find. You will race, ride or gallop (at your chosen pace!) within a 3 mile radius of downtown searching for the objects, tackling feats of strength and stupidity, and learning about obscure parts in downtown Tucson you never knew existed!
Family distance will include only 5 locations within a 1.5 mile radius. With all riddles solved, hidden locations found, and scavenged objects in hand, you will return, race, dash to the finish for your team’s time and some good ol’ celebrations….drink and lunch included in registration. Celebrate your success in the beer garden! There will also be a raffle with prizes from awesome local businesses, including a “Fat Tire” bike from New Belgium! Don’t forget your wallet!! Prizes and original handmade trophies for fastest 2 person and 3-person teams (female, male & co-ed) and fastest family. All participants receive custom “goodie” bag.
Register as individuals, but the Hunt must be tackled in duos or trios (male, female or co-ed). This is for those who are looking for a challenge and some serious fun. Expect to ride 15-25 miles in 1.5-2.5 hours, depending on your street smarts, speed and determination.
Youth under 18 riding in teams of two or three…only $15 for you!
Family distance riders can expect to ride 5-8 miles in 1.5-2 hours, depending on your street smarts, speed and determination. A “Family” must contain at least one individual under 12 years old.
You’ll need to register for this event, find out how here.
Sunday: Bicycle Easter Egg Hunt
Location: Mercado San Augustin
100 S. Avenida del Convento
Every bunny loves an Easter Egg Hunt – especially one designed with bikes in mind! Transit Cycles is excited to bring the bicycle-powered Easter Egg Hunt back to the Westside.
Check out the rest of the events here.