Event Information

Bike the Bend is a recreational, non-competitive bicycling event in our community where casual and experienced riders can ride the streets and trails of South Bend, Mishawaka and St. Joseph County,  Indiana .  With public safety officers limiting vehicle access to the route, you and your family and friends can enjoy safe biking, riding side-by-side, and taking in the beauty of nature and local architecture on approximately 40 miles of streets and trails.

The route highlights many parks along northern Indiana’s St. Joseph River, South Bend’s Riverside and Northside Trails, and Mishawaka‘s Riverwalk, as well as St. Patrick’s County Park, Farmer’s Market, Potawatomi Zoo and Park, the campuses of Notre Dame, IUSB and Bethel College, Eddy Street Commons, historic homes,  and extended routes to Mishawaka parks and Eberhart Golf Course and more. Click here to see the map.

All riders are invited to join the Post Ride Festival at Potawatomi Park in South Bend featuring DJ Paul Chamberlin of The Music Machine, Bageerah and The Whistle Pigs at the Chris Wilson Pavilion, BMX show by Washington High School student Brett Banasiewicz, reduced admission to the Potawatomi Zoo, food and more. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy with your family or visit one of the food booths at the festival. Click here for all the details.

Ride hours are 6:30am-11:30am.
Festival hours are 9:00am-2:30pm.

 

New for this year

Expanded Route

  • More Neighborhoods
  • More Parks
  • Merrifield Park Complex
  • Crawford Park
  • Eberhart-Petro Golf Course
  • Monkey Island
  • Approximately 40 miles round trip

 

  • Website with interactive map (coming in April)

 

  • Easier online registration

 

  • Free pancake breakfast prepared and served by Mishawaka Lions Club at St. Patrick’s County Park on Sunday, May 15 from 6am – 10am with wrist band

 

  • Premier Bike the Bend collectible riding jersey available  for pre-order

 

  • Discounted admission with wrist bands to:

College Football Hall of Fame on Saturday, May 14

Potawatomi Zoo on Sunday, May 15

Overnight camping option at St. Patrick’s County Park, Saturday, May 14 

Great new entertainment at the After-Ride Festival

 

Bike the Bend is a great new tradition in Michiana.  And it's like NO other event!  Here's why:

  1. A large portion of the ride takes place on city streets where normal motorized vehicle activity will be restricted and bicycles will have priority between the hours of the event.
  2. Riders have the flexibility of starting their ride at any point along the bike route and at ANY time during the event hours.  They can ride as much as they want, stop where they want, and enjoy at their own pace. 
  3. It's a celebration of family, friends and community.   Enjoy the beauty of nature, the hidden treasures within our community and create wonderful memories to cherish.
  4. Can't decide right now?  Click here to sign up for our email alerts.