For many people, ringing in the New Years means watching the ball drop in Times Square and partying until the early hours of the morning. But if you’re looking for other ways to celebrate, there are options in the Metro Detroit area that break the stereotypes.

Macomb Bike in Warren has been running a New Years Eve group bike ride since 2009. Sales and service consultant Jim Bruzzese is the creator of the event and says the first two years it took place on the day of the New Year.

“Back then, a lot of big college football games were going on on New Years Day, so we moved it to New Years Eve because we thought we would have a better turnout,” Bruzzese said.

Participation in the 10-mile ride, which begins at Eastern Market at 11 a.m. on Dec. 31 and passes through Campus Martius and other areas of downtown Detroit, has grown over the years, but unsurprisingly, it depends on weather. On average, around thirty runners join the event.

“The first year we hiked it was so cold I wore ski goggles,” said Bruzzese. “We’ve had everything from 10 degrees to 50 degrees.”

Friday’s forecast, according to Accuweather.com on Monday, calls for a high of 40 degrees, a low of 33 and little chance of precipitation.

Bruzzese opted for Detroit’s location for the annual ride because he says on vacation mornings the traffic is extremely light in the city, making it much easier for a group of cyclists to maneuver around the city. Detroit has also added several bike lanes and extended the Dequindre Cut Greenway, making it very bike friendly.

The late morning bike ride is a healthy option for New Years Eve that can also serve as a way to compensate for unhealthy behavior anticipated later in the evening.

“I think a lot of people like to go out and burn calories because they know they’re going to be drinking or eating unhealthy foods and consuming a lot of calories later,” Bruzzese said.

The Macomb Bike Ride departs from Eastern Market Shed 2 at 11 a.m. sharp on December 31. Visit macombbike.com for more information. The ride is free and everyone is welcome.

The New Year’s Infinite Multisport Triathlon Club’s Eve Beer Luck Run combines cardio with 16-ounce curls. The annual event takes place at the Stony Creek Metropark and begins with a free run before the start of social time at 9:30 am at the Gladeview North Pavillion C. Runners can start their hike at any time, depending on the length of the run they have. they intend to do. Participants bring their favorite beer or other drink, cookies, snacks, or any other treat they would like to share during post-race social time.

IMTC member Michelle Trachsel said you don’t have to be an elite athlete to participate in New Years Eve entertainment or to be a part of their club.

“If you just want to do a loop or a couple of miles, that’s fine,” Trachel said. “We have people in our club who are at all different levels, sizes and speeds. We are a very diverse group of people who all share one thing in common: we want to do something to make our lives a little healthier. “

The Beer Luck Run has been around for 10 years and generally attracts around 40 people. This year, Trachsel changed the location of the boat launch from Stony Creek to the Gladeview North Lodge to allow for greater social distancing.

“A lot of people are very nervous about going inside, which is why I moved it,” Trachsel said. “We will have tents and people will be able to socialize comfortably. “

For more information, visit infinimultisport.com or visit their Facebook page. The Beer Luck Run event is free.

To underline the idea of ​​letting go of 2021 and welcoming 2022, Move It Fitness offers its annual Out with the Old / In with the New 5K races. Riverbends Park in Shelby Township. is the site of both events, the first taking place on December 31 and the second on January 1. Both races start at 9:30 am.

“The course takes place partly on mountain bike trails and partly on the pavement,” said race director Geneva Stephens. “It’s the same route both days, but one day we run clockwise and one day counterclockwise. It feels like you’re on a whole new course.

Stephens is an avid runner and started the two-day event five years ago simply to provide a healthy option or simply a way to burn off the calories that could be consumed while watching football or attending more traditional celebrations of the New Years. The event typically attracts around 250 participants.

“You can do one race or both races,” Stephens said. “That’s a good thing. It brings everyone together and right now, with the COVID pandemic, the safest way to do it is to be outside.”

Participants can register on Move-itfitness.com or on race day. Route maps and other information are available on the website.