Thousands of patriotic cyclists gathered in Huntington Beach on the morning of July 1 to celebrate the Fourth of July. Dressed in red, white, and blue, participants waved American flags and showcased their creativity by decorating their bikes in festive designs. Some cyclists even took their love for their pets to the next level, balancing their large furry friends in handlebar baskets as they cruised through the city.
The event, known as the 4th Annual 4th of July Bicycle Cruise, has been growing in popularity each year. Ed Romo, the organizer of the ride, remarked, “When I started this ride four years ago, 1,000 people showed up … twice as many than we were expecting. Last year we must have had about 15,000.” The enthusiasm and turnout for the event continue to exceed expectations.
Before embarking on their ride, participants gathered together to sing the national anthem, the Star-Spangled Banner. The sight of a sea of red, white, and blue, along with the patriotic lyrics reverberating through the air, set the tone for the festivities that lay ahead. Romo expressed his admiration for the bike decorations he has witnessed over the years, a testament to the participants’ creativity and dedication to celebrating America’s independence.
Leading the way for the cyclists were Assemblywoman Janet Nguyen and several city officials, including Mayor Tony Strickland, Mayor Pro Tem Gracey Van Der Mark, Councilman Casey McKeon, and Councilman Pat Burns. They rode in an elevated truck, offering words of encouragement and blessings for a safe and enjoyable ride. Their presence highlighted the importance and significance of the event in the local community.
The 4th Annual 4th of July Bicycle Cruise is part of a larger Independence Day celebration in Huntington Beach that city officials proudly claim to be “the largest Independence Day Celebration west of the Mississippi.” The festivities spanned over five days, from June 30 to July 4, with an estimated half a million attendees expected to participate. This celebration has become a staple for residents and visitors alike.
Huntington Beach has a long-standing history of commemorating Independence Day, with the first celebration held 119 years ago. Throughout the years, the city has focused on expanding and improving the festivities. Jennifer Carey, a spokesperson for Huntington Beach, stated, “Every year we look to make the festivities bigger and better than ever.” In recent years, the introduction of the July 4th Block Party and the new Cornhole Tournament have added to the excitement and entertainment for attendees. Surf City, as Huntington Beach is fondly called, truly embraces the patriotic spirit on July 4th.
The bike ride started at Huntington Beach’s Lake Park and concluded near the bustling intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and Main Street. This scenic route allowed participants to enjoy the coastal beauty as they pedaled their way through the city, showcasing their love for their country and their passion for cycling.
For those interested in attending other Independence Day events in Huntington Beach, a comprehensive list of activities can be found on the city’s website. From parades to fireworks displays, there is something for everyone to enjoy and celebrate the nation’s independence.
The 4th Annual 4th of July Bicycle Cruise in Huntington Beach exemplified the patriotic spirit that unites Americans on July 4th. Thousands of cyclists, adorned in patriotic colors, came together to pay tribute to their nation, showcasing their love for cycling and their deep-rooted sense of pride for their country. The event’s growing popularity reflects the community’s commitment to cherishing America’s independence and commemorating it in a uniquely enjoyable way.
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