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Akron Bike Party's Winter Hygge ride will take place Jan. 20 at 6:30 p.m. The comfort-themed downtown ride will help Akronites embrace winter like the Danish, enjoying bicycles, friends and fire pits.

(Akron Bike Party)

AKRON, Ohio - Akron Bike Party wants Akronites to embrace wintertime like they're in Denmark.

The cycling group, which themes its rides, wears costumes and takes lights and music on the road, will hold its first Winter Hygge Bike Ride Friday, Jan. 20, starting at Lock 3 at 6:30 p.m.

Hygge (hoo-gah) is the Danish concept of "creating cozy and convivial atmospheres that promote well being," according to Bike Party member Andy Davis who came up with the theme.

The Danish are considered some of the happiest people in the world, in part because they embrace the outdoors, Davis said. In winter, they enjoy spending time with friends, and fire - candles indoors and fire pits outside.

"This ride is about having fun and embracing that Danish approach to winter," he said. "We don't go super fast and we have people of all abilities."

Following a one-hour bike ride around downtown Akron, the group will return to Lock 3 for some of that Danish flavor: there will be fire pits for making s'mores and other campfire treats, and beer.

Davis, a retired engineer from Akron's Traffic Engineering Division, is also the chairman of the board of Summit Cycling Center, where Akron Bike Party usually convenes. Summit Cycling Center is non-profit, volunteer-driven, bicycle co-operative that promotes bicycling and develops bike education programs in Akron.

Akron Bike Party was started by Dave Massary, who, with his wife, Jana, operates the Primrose School of Hudson, an early childhood education center.

In 2014, Massary attended a Bike Party event in California.

"I had so much fun there I decided to give it a shot in Akron, so I had one to go to," Massary said. "It's a good excuse to dress up or dress your bike up. I have a closetful of costumes now."

It's not a party without music and Akron Bike Party brings some along on every ride.

Bike party rides, some of which have drawn more than 100 cyclists, often take place downtown Akron. Rides are held eight to 12 times a year, usually on the third Friday of the month.

Themes have included rainbow, beach party and super heroes. Rides also honor local events such as the Akron Art Prize.

When Prince and David Bowie died, Akron Bike Party members adorned themselves in purple and cosmic glam respectively, while a mini-trailer carrying a stereo blasted the appropriate music. Akronites often call out "Bike Party!" as the group passes by.

The group welcomes anyone who wants to ride. No set skill level is necessary because cyclists take their time and regroup often.

"This should be a fine night for a Bike Party with unseasonably warm weather expected," Massary said.

Akron Bike Party's free Hygge Ride will meet at Lock 3 outside Summit Cycling Center near the basement of the Barley House at 6:30 p.m. and take off at 7 p.m. For more information, visit Akron Bike Party.

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