When Kathy Manners took up cycling, she didn’t imagine she’d bike across the country.
“I wouldn’t have done that if I didn’t feel I had a supportive community behind me,” she said.
Knowing how much the activity has enriched her life, Manners, along with Sara McEwen, has decided to start Open Bike Night in an effort to create that same sense of community that inspired her.
The first one will take place Feb. 19 from 7 to 9 p.m. at The Brownstone in downtown Orillia. The plan is to hold Open Bike Nights three times per year.
“We’ve seen it happen in other communities and the idea is to build community and tell some road stories about cycling,” Manners explained.
During the Feb. 19 event, there will be three speakers. Bob Ormerod will talk about his adventures of cycling in Switzerland, Marion Tilstra will share stories and photos from her recent participation in the Ice Road Challenge in Pikangikum First Nation, and Tristan Spurr, of The Crank and Sprocket Bicycle Co., will provide some maintenance tips for getting bikes ready for spring riding.
Also, McEwen and Manners will briefly discuss their cycling-related businesses, Humdinger Bicycle Tours and Pedal People, respectively.
“It’s a chance to be with like-minded people and be inspired by others. We’re hoping it will inspire people to be out more on their bikes,” Manners said. “A big part of cycling, for me, is community. You see those elite athletes and you start to define cycling in a certain way, but there are also people who just enjoy being on a bike.”
The event is free to attend and no registration is required, but space is limited at The Brownstone.
There will also be door prizes.
