Fourth of July isn’t canceled this year, the way you celebrate just has to be a bit different. There may not be fireworks, huge cookouts in the park, pontoon boats packed to the brim or pool parties. But on a positive note, there’s nothing stopping you from getting out on a bike ride, clad in red, white, and blue. 

There are many ways to celebrate the birth of our great nation, and taking advantage of your freedom to ride is definitely one of them!

So before you get all nostalgic for the usual celebration activities, think about how you might make this year’s festivities unique. The year 2020 has been like no other. As a nation, we are enduring a pandemic the likes of which hasn’t been seen in over one hundred years. We have begun confronting troubling realities when it comes to systemic racism and police violence. In November, we cast our vote for the next president of the United States of America. 

It is safe to say, 2020 is a year “independent” of all other years that came before it. Make this year’s celebration match the occasion with some of our favorite social-distancing compatible activities. 

1. Celebrate Independence Day with Elevenpine’s Uprisings 

Some might say the ultimate uprising was the one we honor this weekend -  that of American colonists against Great Britain. Celebrate the fourth by grabbing a pair of our “revolutionary” dual-fit shorts. This weekend only get 25% off when you purchase a pair of Uprisings (men's here; women's here) or a combination of the shorts and Liberator liner. 

It may seem tame when compared to the revolutionary war, but getting out on your bike with a pair of comfortable, breathable, performance-enhancing shorts can feel liberating too!

Use code JULY4 to claim your discount and join the revolution. 

2. Chase some Patriotism on Two Wheels 

Depending on where you live, there are probably some historical or cultural sites, or maybe even a national monument. For those east coast dwellers, there’s a good chance you’re not more than a couple of revolutions of a bicycle wheel away from some bit of American history. 

In Boston, for example, there’s theMinuteman Bikeway, where you can retrace the steps of Paul Revere. In Philadelphia, theSchuylkill River Trail extends for 75 miles and is classified as a National Heritage Area.

If you’re not near any historic landmarks, create a route that takes you on a tour of your city or town’s local history, even if it’s just up a hill to place with an American flag billowing in the breeze at sunrise. Sounds lovely, doesn’t it?

If you’re looking for paths or roads less traveled, check outStrava’s Heatmap to get a better sense of what’s well-worn and what’s off the beaten track. 

3. Get Your Fourth of July Soundtrack Ready

By the time you get home from your morning ride, no doubt you’ll be hungry, thirsty, and ready to partake of some Fourth of July festivities. But first, make sure to turn on the tunes. 

There are so many classics (or Bruce Springsteen’s whole albumBorn in the USA) but for a fun mix of “America” themed beets, check out this “Fourth of July Jams” playlist on Spotify. 

In a time when many are hesitant to widen their quarantine circle or risk infecting older or more vulnerable family members with the Rona, a Zoom BBQ may be the best way to get those family vibes at the party. 

So when the party is underway, find a time to dial everyone in and virtually share colorful beverages, show off your brand new American eagle t-shirt, or have a Tik Tok dance-off.

Whether it’s horseshoe, ladder toss or cornhole, everyone loves a good yard game.Here are the 15 most highly rated yard games on Amazon, as compiled by NY Strategist. 

If you can’t get a game delivered in time for the Fourth,consider these DIY yard game options and spend part of the long weekend making a game that will keep on giving all summer long. 

This fun and festive recipe for “Firecracker Punch” has all the options. The ingredients are simple and easy to find, while also being refreshing and summery: 

• Cherry Cider 
• Peach Nectar 
• fresh Lime Juice 
• Ginger Ale 
• Baking Cinnamon Imperials or Red Hots candies
• OPTIONAL: Lemon-Infused Vodka

For a family-friendly version, add the vodka by the serving for whoever wants their punch spiked. 

There’s no surer way to feel patriotic than to look patriotic. So, bust out yourblue Uprisings orKick it Up skirt along with a red and white tank, maybe some red flip-flops if you’re feeling fancy. 

Streamers are cheap and fun, wrap them around the porch railing, hang them in a doorway or let them billow in the breeze like a paper American flag. A fresh fruit cocktail with strawberries, blueberries, and whipped cream is simple, delicious, and checks all the color boxes. 

There’s one time of year one you can put an eagle and flag on your bicep and it’s not a requirement to also own a Harley, and that’s Fourth of July. 

Thisvariety pack of temporary tattoos on Amazon includes all kinds of classics, like Lady Liberty, “I Love the USA” and an eagle in American flag colors. Honestly, there’s all kinds of fun to be had - for adults and kids - with a couple of packs of these. 

Watching your town or city’s local fireworks display has become the most symbolic way to celebrate gaining our independence. While there’s no doubt we’re all a little bummed out by the lack of fireworks this year, sparklers are the next best thing.

Grab a multi-pack of different colored sparklers, and bust them out when the sun goes down. Let’s be real, you’re never too old to find joy in drawing shapes with these fuzzy burning light sticks.  

Not celebrating with family? You may not be able to see flaming fireballs of color shoot into the sky this year, but you can see one flaming fireball disappear below the horizon. Put some beers in a soft cooler, toss them in a backpack, and head to a scenic overlook for sunset.

To optimize social distancing, choose a hill or small peak that isn’t accessed by a road. Either ride and then hike to the summit or find one that has an MTB friendly trail leading up to the top. 

Turning your backyard into a movie theatre can really level-up your experience of summer. Investing in some gear to do home movies on the big screen, under the stars, is a great way to change up the routine and add some magic. 

You can pick up a projector for under $100 from Walmart, buthere’s a list of 6 of the top-rated projectors out there. Then all you need is a white sheet and place to hang it - the side of the house or garage can be a great option. 

Our recommended Fourth of July movie choice? Independence Day, duh!