Enjoy this guest article from Ayla and Jessica of the Big Fancy Bike Ride.
As we roll into Biketober, kick the month off by joining Bike Auckland and friends for the first ever Big Fancy Bike Ride. A celebration of bold bicycling and the power of people coming together for positive change.
This year, the Big Fancy Bike Ride takes the place of the beloved Fancy Women Bike Ride, a global movement that encouraged women to cycle and called for better infrastructure in our cities. While the global organisers have achieved many of their goals and decided to discontinue the event, here in Aotearoa we’re not ready to stop pedaling just yet!
We’re opening up the movement for everyone to join, regardless of gender. Because we believe that cycling is for everyone. It will still be wāhine-led and be an inclusive celebration of all bike styles and communities. This is why we need you to be there. It’s time to let our streets fill with the scent of fresh air and happiness instead of exhaust fumes and road rage.
What’s happening for the 2024 Big Fancy Bike Ride?
On Sunday, October 6, we’ll be gathering at The Cloud from 12:30pm for a leisurely ride along scenic bike paths to Mission Bay. As always, we’ll be stopping at some iconic spots for professional photos. Our amazing photographer, Matt Crawford, will be capturing all the fancy, fabulous moments that make this ride so special.
Once we reach Mission Bay, we’ll wrap things up with a BYO picnic by the Mission Bay Fountain—so don’t forget to pack your picnic and blankets! This ride is all about having fun, looking good, and showing the world that cycling can be a joyful, everyday activity.
Why should you join the Big Fancy Bike Ride?
Biketober is all about celebrating cycling in all its forms, and the Big Fancy Bike Ride is the perfect way to kick things off. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or someone who’s new to riding, this event is for everyone. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to connect with the community, raise awareness about the importance of cycling infrastructure, and—most importantly—have a wheely good time!
So, get ready to dust off your Sunday best, decorate your bike, and join us for a fabulous day of cycling, connection, and celebration. Let’s show Auckland that cycling is the future!
How to join the Big Fancy Bike Ride
Date: Sunday, October 6
Time: 12:30pm – Meet at The Cloud
Ride to Mission Bay starts at 1:00pm
BYO Picnic at the Mission Bay Fountain
Join the conversation on Facebook for more details.
One last thing before we go – please spread the word
We are regularly asked “This event is amazing, how can I find out when this is happening next?” As a couple of volunteers we don’t have access to big media so it’s all word of mouth. So please share this message on your social media, in your chats or at your work. We’d love another show stopping turn out and we can’t wait to see you there!
