Valentine's Day may have just passed but bicycling enthusiasts have an opportunity to show their love for biking and for an advocacy group focused on advancing Asheville’s urban and commuter bicycle culture. On Saturday, February 26, Asheville on Bikes (AoB) hosts its Fifth Annual Bike Love event at Arcade Asheville, located at 130 College Street across the street from Pack Square.

Bike Love features local bands, local beer, a commuter bicycle raffle, and a bicycle gear silent auction while showcasing AoB’ s community initiatives. This year’s proceeds will be invested in the organization’s general funds. The event is co-hosted by Arcade Asheville and French Broad Brewery.

Performing at this year’s event are Uncle Mountain, C Scott, and Red Dirt Floor. Doors open at 8 p.m. Advance tickets are $12 and are available at Ski Country Sports, ProBikes, Liberty, BioWheels, Motion Makers, and Youngblood’s Bicycles. Admission at the door is $15. The event is for those 21 years of age and older.

Asheville on Bikes uses this annual celebration to increase awareness about the advantages of improving and expanding Asheville’s bicycle transportation infrastructure and it acts as the beginning of the group's event cycle. AoB hosts a variety of community rides, bicycle corrals, and is invested in ongoing multi-modal transportation improvements.

Ski Country Sports donated a Giant Roam I ($600 retail value) bicycle to be raffled at Bike Love. Raffle tickets are currently on sale at Ski Country Sports and the winner will be selected the evening of Bike Love. Ski Country Sports will fit the winner of the bicycle with the proper frame size so the winner rides in both style and comfort. Ski Country Sports is located at 1000 Merrimon Avenue in Asheville. Bicycle raffle tickets are $2 for 1 or $5 for 3.

Assisting the event as sponsors are Ski Country Sports, ProBikes, Liberty Bicycles, BioWheels, Youngblood Bikes, Motion Makers SORBA, Suspension Experts, Grove Arcade Copy Shop, Cloud 9 Chiropractic, Clingman Cafe, Early Girl, Beauty Parade, and Topo Fusion.