CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Biketoberfest is a way to get exercise and raise money for a good cause. As one couple proved, it can also be the place where you find the love of your life.
What You Need To Know
Biketoberfest is a cycling event happening in Charlotte Oct. 24
The event encourages people to travel via bike, foot or public transit to get around instead of a car
One couple started their love story at the event in 2017
When Chris Muryn moved to Charlotte in 2008 his car transmission went out. So he started riding his bicycle five days a week to work. He grew to love the commute. Fast-forward to 2017, and he was working at a firm that asked if he would volunteer at Biketoberfest.
“It was a no-brainer with Sustain Charlotte's mission,” Muryn said. “It's great to share the road with bikers, but not all drivers are ready for that. The infrastructure they are proposing and pilot systems are great.”
The money raised at the event goes to Sustain Charlotte. They help fund and advocate for projects to make Charlotte an easier place to get around via biking, walking or public transit.
“Ultimately we wanted to have an event that would show people how safe and easy it is to get around parts of the city,” Executive Director of Sustain Charlotte Shannon Binns said.
Binns said the event started in 2015 and has quickly grown. This year 500 people are expected to ride.
When Muryn volunteered in 2017 he hoped the event would help other cyclists be able to commute to work and get around. But little did he know, he was in store for a much bigger life event.
“My guard was down, I wasn’t expecting to meet anybody,” Muryn said.
Turns out he met a girl toward the end of the event as they were both leaving.
“I was riding by myself, and I saw someone in front of me with a green flashing light,” Leslie Muryn said. “He had his helmet on so I thought he would be safe to follow.”
Chris escorted Leslie back to her apartment.
“At this stop we chatted and talked a little bit longer,” Leslie Muryn said. “Then, he asked for my phone number.”
The rest is history. They celebrated their one year anniversary at Biketoberfest in 2018 and then again in 2019. That’s also the year they got married. But this year is extra special. Nine months ago they had a son named Miles.
“He has just been a blessing throughout this whole process,” Chris Muryn said.
For the first time all of them will be riding together at the event.
“Biketoberfest is taking it to the next step where now it’s the start of our family,” Muryn said.
Their common love for cycling is how they met, but they’re returning in hopes it teaches their child how to create a sustainable future. The couple is expecting a second boy next year.
Biketoberfest will happen this Sunday. Tickets are $35 and walk-ins are welcome. For more details click here.