What is Biketoberfest all about?

??What's hot in Houston's Innovation Ecosystem this week? 10/23/23

What if you can do what you enjoy doing and create an impact at the same time?

This thought crossed my mind in a deeply personal way when war broke out in my motherland, Ukraine. I felt a sense of helplessness that spurred me into action—protests, donations, any form of involvement. But somehow, it never seemed enough.

That's when an idea struck: I could merge my passions for biking and being active in the tech community with a cause close to my heart. I organized a bike ride, not just for the sake of exercise or camaraderie, but to fundraise and spread awareness. The response? Overwhelming. Friends flooded in, exceeding my wildest dreams. Together we biked for peace, spirits soaring in hope and resilience. Many of my tech friends really enjoyed the ride and some asked “ So, when is the next ride?” or “We should do one of these rides at the Ion”…

That event planted the seed for what would become Biketoberfest.

With Houston's sweltering summers making outdoor activities a mirage, autumn was the perfect canvas for this new venture. In planning, I reached out to Joe Cutrufo from Bike Houston, who had been instrumental in organizing the previous ride. It felt right to reciprocate, adding Bike Houston as a beneficiary for our next big ride.

This year, we expanded our horizons, including the local chapter of Bunker Labs, an incredible organization that empowers veteran entrepreneurs.

Now, Biketoberfest isn't just a bike ride; it's a beacon of change. Sometimes, it feels like a triumph, knowing that pedaling through the streets can ripple into something monumental. This upcoming Thursday, the stakes are even higher, the heart behind it even bigger. We've onboarded a new nonprofit, all thanks to our generous supporters.

I'm buzzing with excitement for this year's Biketoberfest and extend a warm invitation for you to join us. It's more than an event; it's about weaving impact with enjoyment within our community.

Now, let's talk fun details! A massive shoutout to the Ion for backing this Biketoberfest, with special thanks to Katrina Buerger and Joann Echeverria for making this ride and the after-party ROCK!!!

So, are you ready to celebrate fall in true Houston style? MARK YOUR CALENDAR for this Thursday, October 26, from 5 – 8 PM for a fantastic 7-mile bike ride through the heart of the city, coupled with a relaxing happy hour at the Ion Plaza. Prepare for a blend of enjoyment with sponsor booths, face painting, inflatable games, and live tunes from The Slags to keep the atmosphere vibrant. Plus, exclusive goodies like Ion bicycle water bottles, event t-shirts, and free pretzels from The Lymbar await early birds!

While the event is free, we encourage registering via the link below, with an option to donate. Your contributions will significantly aid local non-profits like BikeHouston, Bunker Labs, and HTX4Ukraine. Can we help even more non-profits next year? I bet we can but I need your help! Do you have a non-profit in mind? I’m all ears! There are so many great causes we can support while having fun with our community!

Join us at Biketoberfest; where every pedal stroke unites us and brings us closer as a community committed to driving change. See you there!

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That’s a wrap for now, RocketNetworkers, Stay tuned, and keep grinding!

?? - ROCKET NETWORK TEAM