1,000+ Santas expected for Milwaukee's 19th annual Santa Cycle Rampage on Saturday

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- If you see hundreds of Santas in Milwaukee on Saturday, Dec. 2, don't be surprised -- it's fun tradition for the local cycling community.

A sea of red, white and green will cycle through the streets for the 19th annual Santa Cycle Rampage, starting at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 2.

"We're going to have over 1,000 dressed as Santa, the Grinch, Reindeers," said Jake Newborn, assistant director of Wisconsin Bike Fed. "A lot of people have been doing this year after year, after year. It's really kind of become part of their tradition of the season."

Other cities host similar rides, but Milwaukee's is believed to be the biggest in the world.

"People just really enjoy getting out, doing something in winter, being around people," Newborn said. "When you hear about how big it is, you want to be a part of that too."

The registration fee benefits Wisconsin Bike Fed's nonprofit programs.

"We do education and advocacy to make biking better all across the state," Newborn explained.

The 12-mile route starts at Wheel and Sprocket in Bay View, and heads north. The halfway point is Cafe Hollander on Downer Avenue, then they'll circle west of the river back to Bay View.

"It'll be a nice big loop. You can kind of hop in or off along that route anywhere," Newborn said.

Bars along the route will welcome Santas throughout the day.

"Be on the lookout for Santas all day long," Newborn said.

The Bike Fed recommends riders pump up tires and check brakes beforehand.

Click here for registration information.