PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Streets around the Philadelphia Museum of Art were packed with cyclists for the second annual Philly Bike Ride Saturday morning.
There may have been peddling through puddles, but the rain did not put a damper on the mood. Organizers believe 6,000 people took part in the event this year, twice the turnout from last year's inaugural event.
The 20-mile route took riders through Center City, Independence Hall, Penns Landing and Kelly Drive, then ended in Eakins Oval at the Art Museum steps.
Team Camote — which is Filipino for "purple sweet potato" — from New Jersey call themselves brothers and say biking and laughing through the cold brings them closer together.
"It's chilly, but it's good," said one team member. "Not too cold, but I love it. This is my first time doing this and I love it."
Michelle Miller came from Bucks County with her family, to celebrate her son's birthday. However, she came with a plan to stay in the zone. "I will have some pump up music just to keep in line … I don't wanna cheat and put my electric bike on," she said.
Participants held the mindset that it was not a race. The ride was meant to be a chance to enjoy the city and take in the views without having to worry about traffic. Still, Miller couldn't leave her competitive nature at home.
"I'm gonna beat everybody," she said. "Competing? That's a joke. They're gonna have to compete with me."
Proceeds from the ride benefited the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia.
