If you have never participated in the Glendale Family Bike Ride, you are missing out. A longtime popular Glendale tradition, the free family event is happening Sunday, April 13, beginning at Sahuaro Ranch Park. Enjoy beautiful weather and great exercise, as well as the opportunity to explore Glendale, Arizona. glendale-bike-ride-pedestrian-bridge This year, the popular family event features an extended route showcasing the 63rd Avenue Pedestrian/Bike Bridge, making the ride 6, 15 or 23 miles. You can win a free 2014 Glendale Family Bike Ride t-shirt if you are among the first 500 riders to pre-register online at www.glendaleaz.com/glendalefamilybikeride or via mail by April 10. Call 623-930-2940 for information. bike-riders-zoom-by

On-site registration will be held 7-9 a.m. and the ride begins at 8 a.m. at Sahuaro Ranch Park, 9802 N. 59th Ave. There is no registration fee. Helmets are required and can be purchased at the event for $10 (cash or check only). Riders must be on the road by 9 a.m. Free snacks and water are provided at two rest stops along the routes. In addition, the GUS Bus continuously circuits the routes to assist any riders in need. mayor-loads-bike-rackMayor Weiers loads a bike into the rack on a Valley Metro Bus

Many activities will be offered to riders beginning at 7 a.m. including music by DJ Ron Harkins, blood pressure checks by Barrows Neurological Institute, chair massages by Elements Therapeutic Massage and free bike tune ups provided by Southwest Bicycles. Valley Metro will also be on hand to instruct riders how to properly load a bike onto the bus. In addition, Glendale’s Water Services Department will provide water for riders to fill their bottles and Glendale’s transportation staff will also be giving out free bicycle safety items. bike-riders-paseo-pathway After the ride, children and families can enjoy inflatables at Sahuaro Ranch Park until 11 a.m. Glendale is one of several cities participating in Valley Metro’s Valley Bike Month, bringing attention to bicycling as a fun, healthy, inexpensive and green way to commute and to encourage new riders to give cycling a try.