Calgarians gathered at McHugh House on 17th Ave on Sept. 25 with their bikes in tow, ready for a climate protest. However, this wasn’t your standard climate acton – it was an electric, music-filled bike parade through the downtown core.
The 3rd annual Mad Max Ride YYC chose its theme because the apocalyptic future depicted in the Australian action film series is the exact thing they want to avoid.
The event ran with only a few minor mechanical errors that slowed the start of the parade of roughly 100 riders.
In previous years, the parade had few children but Solita Work, the event organizer, noticed significantly more this year.
“It was really fun to see all the kids dressed up with their flags riding with us,” Work said.
Gerald Wheatly, the man behind the pedal-powered vehicles that gave the parade its soundtrack, also celebrated the event’s growing family appeal.
“It’s a very accessible event. You know, it’s family. It’s free. It’s just lots of fun.”
One of the riders of the three elaborate pedal-powered vehicles that were brought by the event organizers. (Photo: Rogan Bowen-Harper) 
This Unnamed Event Participant was one of the first to arrive at the meet-up beforehand. His bike was outfitted with a number of light-up skulls and crazy gadgets that really showed his creative flair and unique style. (Photo: Rogan Bowen-Harper) 
Lucy (on the right) attending the Mad Max Ride with her owner, Mike Siewert, for the first time in her custom bike mounted with a (fake) machine gun. (Photo: Rogan Bowen-Harper)