Need to do an unhinged jaunt through the streets on two wheels?? We got you....
It’s time you guys, time to get your bikes out of the garage, or the basement or back hallway or wherever you stuck the bike when you got yourself that bike and swore you were gonna ride it every day... and you rode it for exactly eleven days and that was over. Or that was just me, but listen, it’s time! The streets of Persona City are about to be transformed into a cyclist’s fever dream— The Dirty Koala Fun Ride is here.
If you’re new to the region or not heard of the DK Fun Ride, prepare your eyeballs to witness a spectacle quite like no other as thousands of bicycle enthusiasts flood Persona, and sure, while we say “enthusiasts”, we really mean anyone who knows how to safely stay upright on ride a bike, so don't be shy, beginners, The fun ride welcomes all, the horde rolling through the roads consist of people who bike very little to professional athletes. The enthusiasm comes from just wanting to be a part of a massive party on wheels for a great cause and a good time. Vibes.
The ride kicks off at dawn with a celebratory start, as riders—many dressed in colorful costumes and makeup, helmets adorned with wild accessories—set off on an adventure that runs through multiple cities.
Known as one of President Namjoon’s most popular charity events not only because the President participates, but also because of the carnival and concert atmosphere. The DK Fun Ride is highly attended by both riders and spectators that pack the sidelines to cheer on the cyclists.
Stops along the route are designed to keep the energy high and spirits lifted. Riders can get into carnival games, stuff their faces with cotton candy, or refuel with some delicious street food. Random karaoke pop-ups encourage participants to jump off their bikes, grab the mic and sing out their favorite songs. There's always music along the route so random sing-alongs and fan chants are always happening.The object of the fun ride is fun so what any cyclists decides to indulge in is their choice!
Other stops are quite popular as well, and what many look forward to every year. For example for the even more adventurous there are quick trivia and guessing games where guessing incorrectly gets you slimed. The portable showers are available along the entire route of the fun ride for just such messy occasions as this. (there’s a lot of opportunities to get messy along The Dirty Koala’s Fun Ride route)
There are the more odd, unexpected sights. Such as the clown stops. Yes clowns. All types of clowns. If you suffer from that particular phobia, you simply use your maps of the route found in the app and avoid those altogether, or peddle your legs faster!
There’s also look styling along the route. Perhaps you weren’t into the hair and makeup and costumey aspect of the fun ride at first, but once you were there, you were like, “Wtf, I LOVE this I WANT this”, well just stop at once of the styling booths along the way. They have everything from face-painting and makeup, helmet accessories, festival beads and more for you to decorate yourself with. Maybe you’re a huge Super Tuna fan? The Super Tuna stop has cute fish for your helmet, they’re huge and they bounce back and forth as you ride. Tangerine has a booth with jumbo tangerines that do the same thing. There’s all kinds of random fun like that along the route and more, we wouldn’t even try to cover it all here.
Need a break? There are designated "siesta" zones to relax and recharge. And hey, got a bike issue? No prob, there are bike repair stations along the route to ensure everyone stays on the move.
As the sun sets, the ride takes on a new dimension. The route is very well lit of course, but that’s not the light you see. A certain percentage of the riders illuminate the streets with bikes and costumes adorned in dazzling lights, creating a spectacle so awe inspiring it’s magical.
Now readers, if you’re thinking about jumping in, and you definitely should, there’s a few tips, beginning with safety first.
The route has monitors from beginning to end, and any activity deemed unsafe will get you pulled from the ride.
The streets and roads are for bikes ONLY. No one on foot is allowed, with the exception of monitors, security and the Fun Ride’s photographers who are authorized. Anyone thinking they can jump into the mix and grab of couple of selfies or get a great shot of their friend as they pass has to do all their photo activity from the sideline, or be escorted off site.
First Aid and medics are out in full force along the route as well, prepared for just about anything short of surgery, (lol) they’re very efficient and they work fast, this reporter has seen them in action on several occasions!
Speaking of being efficient and working fast…last but certainly not least…the Security Service will be present, obviously, in full force. Some noticeable, some in plain clothes, but everywhere, be assured.
That’s right, everyone. As we all know, the Security Service has very little sense of humour, especially when it comes to large public events and in this case no modicum of mirth was found when I got a chance to speak with one of the agents in charge. Knowing how much our Namjoon loves the bike ride and how much he enjoys himself every year, I asked the agent if the rise in number of participants worried them, if there would be any reason to stop the ride, perhaps for overcrowding. He shook his head.
“No. This is a fun ride. And it’s gonna be fun. No matter what.”
Well. That was ominous. I then spoke with my anonymous source in the Security Service about their coverage of the event.
“Hell no, it’s gonna be crazy. Everyone is coming. Literally everyone. It’s gonna be a massive excursion of bikes, rolling through the city, for hours.”
I also learned they’re “Prepared to use very potent means to neutralize any threats to the president’s safety…This is not our first fun ride.”
Indeed. We imagine guarding and securing the president during the nation’s largest actually insane bike ride event is quite like trying to stay alive on the back of wild beast that’s actively trying to kill you.
Safety first, citizens. Any whiff of foolishness will be met with swift consequence!
So on that note, get out there and have a good time, we promise it’s a time you won’t forget!
