Decent weather greeted the riders, in an event that’s part of the Central Connection initiative to promote cooperation among Dunkirk, Fredonia and SUNY Fredonia. The temperature was a comfy 72 degrees and a nice breeze canceled out the humidity. Rain held off until after the ride, which kicked off a little past 10 a.m.

Fredonia Mayor Doug Essek, Dunkirk Mayor Willie Rosas, SUNY Fredonia President Stephen Kolison and Fredonia Cycling owner Lucas Natali spoke briefly before the event, then did a ribbon-cutting before the riders took off down Day Street. The four led the effort to organize the event.

Rosas noted that organizers plan more Central Connection rides. “This is the first of many more to come,” he said.

The riders’ route was mostly down Central Avenue, where Central Connection-branded banners lead all the way to Lake Erie. They took a brief detour around the Lambert Avenue playground, designated as a rest stop. No one seemed to need much of a rest, however.

OBSERVER Photos by M.J. Stafford The inaugural Central Connection Bike Ride begins to break up after reaching its destination, the Dunkirk Pier, Saturday.

Going back onto Central Avenue, the cyclists were cheered at the SUNY Fredonia entrance by the college’s Blue Devil mascot. Escorted by police the whole way, they made it to the Dunkirk Pier in about 25 minutes. There, the riders gathered, chatted and slowly broke up.

OBSERVER Photos by M.J. Stafford Cyclists gather on Day Street in Fredonia before the start of the Central Connection Bike Ride Saturday.

OBSERVER Photos by M.J. Stafford Cyclists gather on Day Street in Fredonia before the start of the Central Connection Bike Ride Saturday.