Milwaukee residents can look forward to the annual Santa Cycle Rampage on Saturday, Dec. 5, a holiday‑themed bike ride that combines community fun with charitable fundraising, according to Fox 6.
The event, organized by the Wisconsin Bike Fed, will feature two ride options departing from the Bike Fed office at 187 E. Becher St. The main group ride heads to Schlitz Park at 1555 N. Rivercenter Dr., finishing in the southeast corner of the park’s parking lot. A group ride back to the start line will leave 30 minutes after the first riders arrive.
Following the main ride, the 3‑mile family‑friendly Elf Cycle Frenzy will launch, led by Bike Fed Safe Routes to School instructors. This route travels through the Bay View neighborhood and returns to Cafe Centraal for hot cocoa and snacks. Riders must select the appropriate ticket level on the registration page.
Registration packets and merchandise can be collected at two pre‑event windows. From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 24, riders may pick up items at Indeed Brewing Company during the Indeed We Can event, with 100% of proceeds benefiting the Wisconsin Bike Fed. A second window runs from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 4, at Wheel and Sprocket Bay View for media interviews, and from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. for registered riders to avoid Saturday lines.
Event organizer Jake Newborn, assistant director of the Wisconsin Bike Fed, said organizers expect more than 2,000 participants dressed as Santas, elves, reindeer, Ralphies, Grinches and other holiday characters. Funds raised through ride registration support bike education for children, free bicycle repairs for low‑income residents, and staff time for advocacy projects, according to the Bike Fed.
Setup for the ride begins at 7 a.m. on Dec. 5, with media interviews welcomed until 9:15 a.m. Breakfast items will be served by Rose Mob Grill and pastries and drinks by Wheel & Sprocket. The main ride starts at 9:30 a.m., the Elf Cycle Frenzy at 9:45 a.m., and the group reaches Schlitz Park at 11 a.m., with media welcome continuing until noon.
What’s next: Both routes remain subject to change due to weather, construction or other unforeseen circumstances. The Wisconsin Bike Fed will email registered riders with any updates before the Dec. 5 event.
Sources: fox6now.com
