Bike for Beck and the 3 E's

I can't believe May 19 is just around the corner!

is so close, and since local meteorologists are calling for 80 and sunny on Saturday, there's no excuse for not checking out this bike-friendly event to raise money for Lakewood's own .

Now some of you may be thinking, Cari, I don't even have a bike. No worries. Bike for Beck has what I like to call the 3 E's: Entertainment, Education and Eating.

Okay, that last E is a bit of a stretch, but who doesn't love good food?

Head out to the Beck Center Saturday morning to check out the Antique Bicycle Display and the “Bike your Art Out” display of local-artist decorated bicycles. You can also get up close to the amazing new bicycle themed mural by the world-renowned artist Natasha Turovsky.

This mural will be dedicated by Lakewood Mayor Mike Summers before Bike for Beck Fest officially begins. Come show your support for this wonderful artist whose previous work includes “Night at the Opera” which has also been featured on the side wall of the Beck Center.

Bike for Beck Fest officially kicks off at 11:45 a.m., and will be hosted by the comedy-improv group Something Dada, who will kick off our “Music in Motion” parade. Remember, you are welcome to decorate your bike and join in on the fun! (Maybe you'll even win a prize!) You can still register to participate in the parade at BikeforBeck.org.

After the parade, get educated with a Bike Lakewood Maintenance Demonstration. Always wondered how to patch a tire or fix a chain? Bike Lakewood can help you out. Have questions about proper cycling traffic laws? They can give you an answer!

And of course, nothing at the Beck Center would be complete without music. Bike for Beck Fest will feature performances from the indie-folk band The Supposed So, Lakewood's own Fireside, who's acoustic classic rock features covers from the Beatles to Simon and Garfunkel, Revolution Brass Band, an 8 piece, funk inspired brass band, and the Lakewood Guitar Consortium. 

Want to make some music of your own? Head over to the front lawn of the Beck Center, grab a drum, and find your own beat at the Interactive Drum Circle. Don't have much rhythm? Then sit back and enjoy some of Beck's finest perform during the Beck Center Student Showcase.

Finally, when you've got good entertainment, you'll need good food. We've got you covered. Join in on the food truck craze with , or grab a hot dog from the Bike for Beck hot dog stand. Need to cool down? Grab some smooth, creamy gelato from one of my personal Lakewood favorites, The Sweet Spot. Or quench your thirst at the Walsh College Lemonade Stand. All proceeds from the lemonade sales will go to Hattie Larlham, a non-profit organization that provides health care and social programs for both children and adults with developmental disabilities.

Bike for Beck is fast approaching, but there's still time to register for the parade and the tour! Just visit BikeforBeck.org.

The first annual Bike for Beck is going to be amazing. And with the great summer-like weather expected, why wouldn't you want to join in? Come support bikeability and the Beck Center for the Arts this Saturday, May 19. On behalf of everyone at Bike for Beck, we hope you can make it out! It's going to be a great time!