- April 25, 2024
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The Palm Coast Holiday Joyride gives cyclists 7- and 17-mile options Dec. 18.
Renny Roker, CEO/founder of JAG BMX, first came up with the idea of hosting a cycling event when he was at a recent bike show in Las Vegas. He said he overheard people talking about joyrides. He asked what they meant, and he was told it’s an event in which a bunch of people hop on their bikes and ride on paths in the streets.
Roker was hooked. He originally settled on Daytona Beach as the location for the event. Then, he came to Palm Coast.
“I realized that after discovering Palm Coast, I was in the wrong place,” Roker said. “ … (Palm Coast) was where I needed to do the joyride, and this was the place that had embraced bicycling.”
The joyride is also another way for Roker to promote his plans of bringing national and international bicycle motocross events here. He hopes to construct a track and bring a reality TV show here, too.
In addition, Roker said he expects thousands of youngsters to show up to the joyride with a signed poster supporting the construction of JAG BMX in town. Roker added that auditions for the TV show, “8 in the Gate” will be taking place throughout the day, beginning at 9 a.m.
But Roker is currently focused on the joyride. Awards will be given to the bikes with the best holiday decorations. Prizes include six BMX bikes, three Apple iPads and a $200 shopping spree for the best boys, girls and adult bikes, said Ken Rhodes, senior vice president of JAG BMX. Only registered entries are eligible to win prizes.
Rhodes said people interested in the awards and who intend on participating in the joyride can sign up on the website at www.holidayjoyride.com.
Roker said it’s free to participate in the joyride.
“It’s about people riding their bikes for exercise, enjoyment, fun, and it’s an opportunity for people to explore the paths and trails that are available (in Palm Coast),” Roker said.
IF YOU GO
The first Palm Coast Holiday Joyride will feature a 7-mile path and a 17-mile path. Both will depart and end in Central Park, in Town Center. There will be two waves, at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m, Saturday, Dec. 18.
Along the way, there will be food vendors and water stops. Also, at 4 p.m. Saturday, there will be an awards ceremony for the best-decorated holiday bike. To be eligible for prizes, register at www.holidayjoyride.com.
