Why do children always seem to be smiling on their bikes? Maybe it’s because they haven’t forgotten how much fun it is, and they know this truth: Hopping on a two-wheeled, pedal-powered vehicle means relishing in the simple, joyous freedom of rolling off in the great, wide expanse of buzzing life outside of the stuffy confines of buildings and cars. With the sun and wind on our faces, the rush of everyday life, exposed and moving at a more civilized speed, zips along a few feet beyond the handlebars, making everything seem more alive. How could riding a bike not make everyone smile?
Summertime is prime time for getting out on a bike for a mellow, urban roll, and it also happens to be the best way to transport yourself to a concert, festival, farmers’ market, art event or other festivity in or near your neighborhood. Even if you’re not a regular cyclist, dusting off the old set of wheels in your garage for a fair-weather ride to one of the many cool events likely happening within a few miles of your abode may end up being one of the more memorable things you do this summer.
Ride Your Bike to These Festivals & Events
June 2-4: Artfest. An arts festival in Coeur d’Alene Park in Spokane’s Browne’s Addition neighborhood with vendors selling arts and crafts for all tastes, plus live music, food, and an adult beverage garden.
June 2-3: Inlander’s Volume Music Festival. Two days, 10 venues, and 100 bands showcasing musical talent from around the Northwest and beyond in downtown Spokane.
June 9-11: Elk Fest. Three days of killer bands, sun, beer, and way too much fun in Spokane’s historic Browne’s Addition neighborhood.
June 17: Bazaar presented by Terrain. A marketplace full of booths from emerging artists, artisans and craftspeople downtown Spokane. And there’s a beer garden, food trucks, music and creative entertainment. //
Before You Ride
Nothing can kill the buzz on a ride to an outdoor concert or festival you’re super stoked to get to like having your bike break down on the way there. Except maybe a crash or returning to where you left your trusty bike to find the remains of your lock with your bike nowhere to be seen. Here are a few tips to help make sure you’ll still be smiling when your ride ends back at your house.
- Get your bike tuned up at a local shop first. If you’re pinched for time, try a mobile bike repair and maintenance service like VeloFix Spokane that will show up at your home or work to wrench on your bike.
- Wear a helmet and bright/reflective clothing, and set your bike up with a headlight and taillights in case you don’t make it home until after dark.
- Invest in a quality bike lock to help deter theft.
- Don’t over-imbibe while enjoying the festivities at your destination—you may not get a DUI, but your odds of crashing greatly increase with your blood-alcohol level. //
