Understanding the Happy Thursday Cruiser Ride

Can you describe what the Happy Thursday Cruiser Ride is like for someone who has never heard of it?

Once a week, on Thursday nights in Boulder, Colorado, over 100 to 200 cyclists gather at a park. They dress up for a theme, deck out their bikes, and parade through the streets of the town. This has been happening for over 30 years, from April to October. People from all backgrounds and with all types of bikes join in to have fun and build community. It's the Happy Thursday cruiser ride. Everyone is welcome and the unique aspect of our ride is the incorporation of costumes and the Happy Thursday cheer. Even people unfamiliar with our ride recognize it from this distinct, fun, loving and unique quirkiness.

Can you share the origin of the Happy Thursday Cruiser Ride and why it takes place at night? 

The Happy Thursday Cruiser Ride started in the 90s at a bicycle shop called the Sports Garage. After work, instead of going for drinks, the owner and a few employees started going for rides. It began small, with just the employees and a few of their friends, and it actually started on a Monday, not a Thursday. Over time, it grew as friends invited friends. It wasn't until about five or six years that it grew to about 50 people. The ride was unique because it was just about cruising around, having a good time, and ending at a fun location. The addition of costumes and unique bikes set the ride apart from others and it became a fun, creative environment. At one point, the ride grew to 600-800 people. The ride had a simple origin, just a group of friends riding around after work, and now, almost 30 years later, it's a Boulder tradition.

The Evolution of the Ride 

Is the Cruiser Ride a Thursday-only event?

While the main event is on Thursdays, we've also started a new midday weekend ride called the Sunday Slow Roll. This is a smaller event with 20 to 30 riders and a different vibe. It's a great opportunity for people who prefer riding in the day or with a smaller group. We do these Sunday rides two to three times a month and they've become a regular thing.

The Organization and Structure of The Ride

Can you explain the organization of the Happy Thursday Cruiser Ride? Is there a hierarchical structure?

The Happy Thursday Cruiser Ride is organized by a small committee of core riders, including myself. These are people who have ridden with us for many years and help put together themes, routes, and guidelines. People volunteer in various ways, such as acting as a sweep to ensure no one gets left behind, bringing music trailers, or even providing food such as cookies and quesadillas or even entertainment like jugglers who attended a recent circus themed ride. We aim to create an experience and cultivate a sense of adventure, while also ensuring everyone gets home safely.

The Impact of the Ride on the Community

What's one standout moment or experience from the many years you've done this?

One of the most unforgettable experiences I've had during my many years of cruiser involves one of our riders named Zach, who nowadays goes by the nickname Wisdom. Back in the spring of 2018, the Happy Thursday cruiser ride was in a period of significant transition, and Wisdom began attending our weekly rides. At first, he was quite reserved and kept mostly to himself, but he consistently showed up to the ride week after week, month after month. He had recently graduated from high school, a time when we typically discourage students from joining our rides due to their tendency to be a bit more reckless. However, Wisdom was an exception. He displayed an eagerness to learn and contribute, and over the years, I've had the privilege of witnessing his remarkable growth and maturation. He has now become an integral part of our committee, leading rides, acting as a sweep, bringing his own music trailer, and even constructing his own tall bike. Reflecting on the impact of observing Wisdom's growth as a result of the ride has been one of my greatest joys and honors in doing this activity. Wisdom’s journey underscores the transformative potential of our activity and has had a profound personal impact on me.

The Future of the Happy Thursday Cruiser Ride

Do you plan out how the Happy Thursday cruise rides will evolve in the next few years or do you just take it year by year?

We usually plan a year at a time, but we're always thinking about how we can evolve and grow. We've been experimenting with different types of rides, like a monthly movie night or a story night. We've also been participating in cruiser exchange programs, where ride leaders from other cities come to visit us and vice versa. This allows us to learn from each other and bring new ideas back to our own rides. We're also considering the idea of a summit where ride leaders from all over could meet and share ideas.

Advice for First-Time Attendees and Those Looking for Similar Events

What advice would you give someone who is attending one of your Happy Thursday cruise rides for the first time? How would they find something similar in their city?

For first-time attendees, I would advise them to come with an open mind and a willingness to seek out adventure. They'll need to bring some form of transportation, whether it's a bike, electric scooter, or rollerblades. It's okay if they don't have a wild costume or many lights on their bike for their first ride. The most important thing is to bring themselves and be open to making new friends. For those looking for similar events in their own cities, I would recommend checking out Meetup.com, Instagram, and Facebook. They can search for keywords like "critical mass," "bike party," or "cruiser ride" followed by their city or state. Local bike shops can also be a great resource, as they often know about local cycling events. If they can't find an existing event, they can always start their own. The Cruiser Ride started with just a few friends after work, so it's definitely possible to start small and grow from there.

Start Your Own Cruiser Ride

Remember, the journey of a lifetime begins with a single step, and so do these rides. If you're inspired by the Boulder Cruiser Ride and want to start something similar in your own community, or if you're interested in attending a ride, reach out to Gabriel. They're always happy to share their experiences and offer advice.

The Happy Thursday Cruiser Ride transcends the simple act of cycling - it's a vibrant celebration of community spirit, creative expression, and pure enjoyment. It stands as a powerful example of how shared experiences can foster community bonds and bring about transformation. Regardless of whether you're a Boulder local or residing in another city, the Happy Thursday Cruiser Ride presents a unique chance to forge connections, discover new facets of your city, and most importantly, have an unforgettable time.