ERIK'S is proud to support major cycling and sporting events in the communities we serve. The events below are just some of the initiatives we promote to uplift cycling culture, infrastructure, youth education, and community development.
KEY EVENTS THAT ERIK'S SUPPORTS
ERIK'S MEGA DEMO MOUNTAIN BIKE TOUR
This flagship initiative is a mountain bike tour of epic proportions! Over several weeks each fall, ERIK'S visits at least one trailhead in each state we serve (except Arizona), bringing brand-new bikes and gear from our most popular brands.
MINNESOTA MS 150
The MS 150 was launched by Bike MS in 1980 as a way to raise funds for multiple sclerosis research and support. Today, Bike MS is the largest fundraising cycling series in the world, with MS 150—the event that started it all—coursing through 150 miles of Minnesota's loveliest scenery.
Along with two days of cycling camaraderie among thousands of participants, MS 150 also offers food, drinks, and live music. In 2024, the MS 150 event raised about $2.35 million!
LUTSEN 99ER
Here's a prime example of an event that challenges and inspires cyclists to be their best—something ERIK'S always supports! The Lutsen 99er, owned by Life Time Fitness, is an endurance mountain bike race covering 99 miles through Minnesota’s Sawtooth Mountains. (There are shorter variations that cover distances of 69, 45, and 29 miles.) It all makes for an exhilarating weekend that highlights the most positive aspects of cycling: unity, dedication, and overcoming the odds. Â
RAGBRAI (REGISTER'S ANNUAL GREAT BICYCLE RIDE ACROSS IOWA)
Renowned as the world's largest recreational bicycle touring event, RAGBRAI is a week-long ride across Iowa spanning over 400 miles. This is an epic eight-day event filled with bikes, music, food, and (of course) the company of similarly avid cyclists.
Launched in 1973 as a playful challenge between two Des Moines Register journalists, RAGBRAI has grown into a Midwest biking institution. As of 2024, RAGBRAI has featured 326,650 riders; 19,542 miles covered; and 780 Iowa towns visited. We're proud to support this celebration of cycling culture, which brings together a diverse community of riders.
HORRIBLY HILLY HUNDREDS
With up to 10,000 feet of elevation gain, the Horribly Hilly Hundreds presents one of the Midwest's toughest challenges for the ambitious cyclist. Every year, nearly a thousand riders flock to scenic southwestern Wisconsin for this one-day challenge, which serves as an important fundraiser for Friends of Blue Mound State Park.
SUNFLOWER 2 ROSES (S2R)
This charity ride in Kansas City is devoted to raising funds for cancer research and patient care. Now around for over 22 years, Sunflower 2 Roses (S2R) has grown to include route options of 15, 34, and 62 miles, as well as 40- and 62-mile gravel route options through southwest Johnson County, Kansas.
ERIK'S is committed to supporting health-focused causes that make a difference in our communities, and S2R is one of the finest examples in the Midwest.
BIKE MS: KANSAS CITY
Like MS 150 in Minnesota, Bike MS: Kansas City is part of the nationwide Bike MS series devoted to raising funds and awareness for multiple sclerosis research in Kansas. There are three route distance options—40, 74, or 100 miles—that all hit the streets surrounding Kansas City.
Our sponsorship of Bike MS: Kansas City aligns with our mission to support events that promote wellness and community in our markets through the sports and activities we love.
We are not currently seeking new sponsorship applications or grant requests.
For event-related inquiries, please contact us at events@eriksbikeshop.com.