Pedal in the Park event to be held for local superheroes at NMB sports complex

By Ruben Lowman

If you happen to cross paths with Batman, Superman or Wonder Woman in North Myrtle Beach next Friday, don’t think twice, it’s alright. 

Local superheroes are going to be on the lookout for bad guys and evildoers in the city’s park and sports complex, as the parks and recreation department will be holding its Pedal in the Park event right at sunset. 

The event is free and exciting for all ages, said Kaitlyn Hobby, NMB Parks and Recreation Program/Event Coordinator. Guests bring their own bike and join their fellow superheroes at the complex’s amphitheater, where they will experience music, goodies and good company before setting off for a three-mile long ride around the park at their own pace. 

“The theme for this particular ride is superheroes, so we encourage riders to dress up and play the part as they ride throughout the park,” explained Hobby. “We have a junior course available for younger riders who may not want to participate in the longer course.”

Hobby said she was unsure how many local superheroes might be wheeling their way around the sports complex on Friday, but she was hopeful that the event can build on the turnout they had in 2019 when the event was introduced for the first time. Like many similar events, it has been cancelled for the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“We have held this event twice before in 2019 and we had about 30-40 riders,” said Hobby. “With not having many events it is hard to gauge but we hope to get 75 riders, that would be a great turnout for the event!”

The city will also be including some fun after-event activities on the evening, giving participants the ability to continue to enjoy the evening as the sun goes down.

Hobby said the city’s bike police officers would be joining in on the fun and riding along, and there will be a dance party after the event for those superheroes who need to burn off some extra energy before heading home. She said superheroes can also just take part in the event and get back to their crime fighting as early as possible for the night if they need to.

“We will have water/refreshments and small superhero-themed crafts and giveaways, but guests are welcome to grab and go or hangout with us to cool down after the ride,” Hobby said.

Hobby said she and the rest of the parks department was looking forward to the fun-filled event after unfortunately having to cancel the event since the pandemic emerged.

“With the last few years being cancelled we hope the community will want to come out and ride safely throughout our beautiful park and sports complex with friends and family,” Hobby said.