Get pumped for this year's EcoRide, June 23

Following the triumphant return of EcoRide in 2012, folks are getting geared up for this year's event set for June 23, beginning at Ann Arbor's Riverside Park. Hundreds of cyclists of all ages and skill levels came out last year and enjoyed the rides, tours stops, food, entertainment, kids' activities and the opportunity to celebrate and support the Ecology Center's work in the community.

"EcoRide 2013 offers fun routes for all levels and ages, and showcases many of the wonderful assets available in the region, including parks, gardens, organic farms, bike trails, healthy lifestyle organizations, and green businesses," according to Ecology Center events coordinator Ken Kozora. A new feature this year will be "pop-up" art galleries highlighting local artists whose work represents sustainability themes.

"Our goal is to provide an unique, fun and healthy event that appeals to a wide variety of people and gives them an opportunity to experience visible examples of the most exciting ‘green’ projects in the region, and to raise funds to help us continue that work in the future,"Kozora said.

"With the longer routes, the kids ride, the shorter farm/solar/eco-art tours and the fun and festivities, we feel EcoRide is an event serious riders, casual riders, kids, families, foodies, arts lovers and everyone in our community who is a supporter of sustainable efforts can participate in and enjoy."

Those who can't participate in the ride can become involved as a volunteer, donor or sponsor by contacting Kozora at 734-369-9279 or by e-mail at ken@ecocenter.org.