I've been asked to attend a meeting to help plan some "themed" social rides for this summer. These are not 'club' rides but just fun rides for people of all ages and ability levels. Most of them are under 10 miles long and range from less than 50 to over 200 participants. I feel that being invited to the planing meeting is a huge honor for me and I really want to bring some great ideas to the table. I've listed a few of the ideas I have come up with as examples but I'd love to hear your ideas as well.

Poker Ride-
At each of 5 (or more) stops along a route, each rider is given a playing card. At the end of the route, prizes are given for the best poker hand(s). This is a pretty common type of event for motorcyclists but I think it could easily be applied to bicycles as well.

Hawaiian Ride-
Bust out the lei's and Hawaiian shirts. This ride would have a tropical feel with a riders in grass skirts and maybe some tropical fruit served to participants at the end. A pig roast would be even better but I'm not sure what kind of budget the group has.

Pirate Ride- (could substitute Ninja's as well)
The last event this group put on was a Christmas themed ride with over 200 riders showing up decorated with lights, tinsel, even a full santa's sleigh. I think a Pirate theme would lend itsself well to dressing up and decorating the bikes. As you all know, Ninjas are not as cool as Pirates but they could be substituted if need be.

Bike-In Movie Night-
If cars can have drive in movies, why can't bikes? This event would consist of an evening ride with the end point being one of several outdoor amphitheatres around town where there would be a screening of a cycling-themed movie. (Pee-wee's Big Adventure, The Unknown Cyclist, The Flying Scotsman, etc.) Again, depending on budget concerns, there could be popcorn and gatoraid served during the movie.

Comments and sugestions about these or other rides are welcome.