Former Cavaliers superstar LeBron James says thank you to Cleveland, Akron | NBA

AKRON, Ohio — LeBron James climbed on a bicycle Saturday morning and fastened his safety helmet.

Perhaps surprisingly, he didn't need it. The only people who turned out for James' fifth annual "King for Kids Bikeathon" in downtown Akron were the ones who continue to love their hometown hero.

Wearing a red "Enjoy Akron" shirt and shorts, the 25-year-old James pedaled down Main Street to cheers from a crowd that was significantly smaller than in years past, but the day was without any major protests or disturbances.

It was the first public appearance in Akron for the two-time league most valuable player since he left the Cleveland Cavaliers for the Miami Heat last month — a decision that left much of Northeast Ohio feeling hurt and betrayed.

Some fans at that time lashed out by burning his Cavaliers jerseys, but the ride Saturday was seemingly void of vitriol. Police said there wasn't more security than in the past for the mile bike ride. An 8-mile ride was eliminated by the city because of the costs to close roads and pay for overtime.

Akron's Dorothy Oden arrived early, holding a "Good luck LeBron, we love U" sign.

"LeBron is one of our kids. We've watched him grow up from a little kid to the man he is now," Oden said. "I still love him. He's done a lot for Akron and a lot for Cleveland, and the haters need to stop."

James' Grandmothers Fan Club arrived with a "Thanks! LeBron 4 everything! Your grammies got your back!" banner that stretched across Main Street.

James did not speak to media but addressed the crowd before the ride, thanking the cities of Akron and Cleveland.

He was sharply criticized for his recent ad in the Akron Beacon Journal that thanked Akron for its support but did not mention either the city of Cleveland or the Cavaliers. James finally addressed Cleveland but didn't mention the Cavaliers.

"To the city of Cleveland, my fans in Cleveland and my fans in Northeast Ohio, thank you for the last seven years and the years in the future," James said Saturday. "I want to thank the city of Cleveland and Northeast Ohio for all the great years that I've had."

James' business partner, Maverick Carter, said James has been bothered by the backlash but understands why fans are upset.

"He's dealing with it. He made a career decision," Carter said.