Written by Shlomit Ovadia of JCC Denver
In a city recently crowned for its pizza, a new food is paving its way to stardom in Denver: bagels, and JCC Denver plans on celebrating.
Within just days of going on sale, the Jewish Deli Bike Tour completely sold out, a testament to the growing popularity of Ashkenazi Jewish diasporic interest. The highly anticipated 2024 tour on September 15 will take people of all ages and riding abilities on a customized bike ride that hits all the best delis and Jewish food joints around Denver.
“The idea was born during Covid,” says JCC Denver Engagement Program Manager, Daniel Siegel, who created the concept. “I was biking around the city a lot for fresh air and something to do. One day I mapped the delis all on a route.” By the time in-person events were back up and running, Daniel ran the idea by JCC, and “people were into [it]!”
Now back in its third year, the Jewish Deli Bike Tour boasts two co-current rides: a 15-mile excursion and a 4–5-mile option for families with young children. But there’s no need for FOMO: both tours promise a special Bicycle Horah at Denver City Park and songs like Hava Nagilah, Hine Ma Tov, and Oseh Shalom, to jam to during your ride.
“Finding creative ways of bringing Judaism into other daily activities and hobbies is something pretty unique to the Denver’s Jewish community,” says Ruthie Rabinovitch, a Los Angeles native who has participated in two JDBT groups so far.
The JCC Denver organized tour by Daniel Seigel is fun and interactive. Deli stops welcome participants with samples that showcase their foods and even some specialties. In addition to the classic spots like Rosenberg’s, the tour will bring participants to many new popups like Call Your Mother, Rich Spirit, and O’dell’s, among other noteworthy spots.
This year, JCC Denver partnered with Bike Streets to plan out the route, a company whose mission is to improve biking safety. Their CEO Avi Stopper explains, “If we all ride our bikes on the same streets and are more organized with it, you create strength in numbers. There is a high comfort bike network hiding in plain sight of interconnected streets, trails, and bike lanes that anyone can use today,” regardless of level, confidence, or experience.
On that same vein, “the Jewish Deli Bike Tour is for anyone with a bike,” Avi assures. “It’s slow, it’s delightful, not stressful, and incredibly social and pleasant. The whole thing is like a rolling party on wheels. I personally love Zaidy’s Rugelach, so I really look forward to that stop.”
“There was a fantastic turnout last year, so I’m looking forward to seeing my friends and meeting more people who love biking and Jewish deli,” adds Lewis Osterman, another past participant. “As it turns out, matzah ball soup is pretty great for electrolytes.”
Even nonbikers will enjoy the party ride that has plenty of activities planned along the way. Hey, you might even get inspired to bike the city on your own!
Stay tuned for updates on future JCC Denver events and rides.