If you look outside on a Friday evening here in Grand Junction, there is a good chance that you will see a massive group of cyclists wearing colorful outfits, riding to music.
These cyclists are proud participants of GJ Bike Night. From now until winter every Friday at 7 p.m., members from the community meet up at 544 Rood Ave for a community bike ride. The ride is themed and participants dress up to match. After the ride, many of the cyclists will meet at a brewery for drinks and food.
While GJ Bike Night has no official positions, Colorado Mesa University student Ian Thomas leads the group. Thomas has many responsibilities as the leader from directing the ride, contacting breweries and making sure all riders are safe and protected from traffic.
“GJ Bike Night is just a fun community event,” Thomas said. “After getting inspired by some of the events in other communities that I saw, Grand Junction kinda had the same vibe, so I started it.”
When looking at the people that attend GJ Bike Night, you will see people that compete nationally in cycling, but you will also see families enjoying a casual bike ride.
“It’s pretty much an event to go have fun at,” participant Ethan Abbs said. “It’s not too serious, like no one is out there to race, everyone is out there just to have a good time. Honestly, we go at cruising speed, so you can just chill in first gear the whole time.”
The difference between GJ Bike Night, and other biking events is the welcoming, fun experience provided. Music is played and everyone is dressed in colorful attire. Compared to other bike rides, the routes planned by Thomas are generally an easy ride.
“It’s just a casual, flat terrain,” participant Jackson Moore said. “I have a signature bluetooth speaker that I’ll wear on my backpack, and people will give song requests to me, or sometimes I’ll blow the horn […]Biking several miles with a whole bunch of friendly strangers is really fun.”
As easygoing as the event is, Thomas and GJ Bike Night also have their eyes set on important matters as well. Recently, the city of Grand Junction has discussed the Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan.
“Right now, they are on the verge of approving the Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan. It’s the first time that the city has undergone something like this,” Thomas said. “It’s a comprehensive plan that details exactly what the city needs to do in order to better facilitate bike and pedestrian traffic in town, because right now, Grand Junction is a pretty car dependent place.”
When GJ Bike Night started, it was strictly a fun bike ride. Now, with the massive increase in participants, the group has been able to advocate for opportunities in the city. Besides pushing for the Bike and Pedestrian Plan, the group has voiced their support for city council District B candidate Jason Nguyen, who is a frequent GJ Bike Night rider.
GJ Bike Night will continue running every Friday at 7 p.m. until this winter. Check out @GJBIKENIGHT on Instagram for more information.
