Next Central Connection bike ride Tuesday
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The second Central Connection bicycle ride between Fredonia and Dunkirk is set for 6 p.m. Tuesday.
The ride will start on Church Street in Fredonia and proceed to Temple Street for a ride through SUNY Fredonia. Once cyclists exit the college, they will ride down Central Avenue and head toward the City Pier in Dunkirk.
No registration is necessary for the free event, which is part of the Central Connection initiative to foster connections between Dunkirk, Fredonia and SUNY Fredonia. The first ride on June 19 drew more than 60 cyclists. However, SUNY Fredonia was not on the route that day.
The Central Connection Group is partnering with Big Dipper Ice Cream Parlor on Central Avenue in Dunkirk for the upcoming ride. There will be a 30-minute break in the ride at Big Dipper for riders to get hydrated and purchase ice cream.
"Partnering with this local small business is exciting for the Central Connection committee because it was part of the original mission to connect the village of Fredonia, the city of Dunkirk and SUNY Fredonia to expanding tourism and business opportunity along the three mile connector road, Central Avenue, while enhancing the quality of life for our residents and creating economic development," said Julie Essek, committee member and wife of Fredonia Mayor Douglas Essek, who also helped plan the ride.
Riders should assemble on Church Street in Fredonia before 6 p.m. All ages and experience levels are welcome to participate, and cyclists can exit the route at any time if unable to do the entire ride, which will be a bit over four miles one-way.
As was the case at the first event, ride support leaders will be provided by Fredonia Cycling to ensure the safety of the ride for all. For those riders that do the entire route, the ride back to Fredonia will be monitored by the ride leaders. Riders are encouraged to wear helmets and bring water for hydration. "The committee is encouraging our SUNY Fredonia students to join in on the ride from the start on Church Street or any point on the route that is convenient," Julie Essek said. "We are excited that they have returned to SUNY Fredonia and we welcome them to join our group."
Another Central Connection Bicycle Ride is planned to start 10 a.m. Sept. 18, and this route is expected to go through Point Gratiot in Dunkirk in addition to SUNY Fredonia after starting in downtown Fredonia.