Well  over three thousand cyclists participated in yesterday’s Tour de Troit.

The Free Press coverage noted the fundraising aspect of the ride.

The Tour de Troit was organized to publicize the growing greenways network in Detroit and to raise funds for Corktown-Mexicantown Greenlink planned for 2011. The series of bike lanes and off-road pathways will connect the neighborhoods of Corktown and Mexicantown to each other and to the Detroit River.

“This is one of my favorite days in the city,” [Chris Frey] said. “It shows everybody Detroit is a wonderful city for cycling and there are a lot of things you can really only see by bike.”

It’s expected that over 30 miles of bike lanes will be added to the Corktown, Mexicantown, and West Vernor Business District by early next year. That’s in addition to the Michigan Avenue bikes being installed this Fall by MDOT.

The Detroit News coverage included some reaction from those who watched the procession of bikes.

Jan Rutzel and Pat Buckler marveled as scores of cyclists in bright gear zipped up and down Michigan Avenue today.

The buddies were on Rutzel’s porch on Wabash and became excited when told the cyclists were getting ready for a 30-mile tour of the city that included sweeps through some of Detroit’s most historic neighborhoods.

“That’s wonderful,” Rutzel said. “Anything that helps the city is thrilling.”

That’s one of the best parts of the Tour — the welcoming spectators along the route, especially the wide-eyed children. Many spectators took photos of the riders just as cyclists took photos of the city.

Of course 3,000 riders is quite a huge group. To give some perspective, the lead cyclists were already miles away at the Dequindre Cut while others were still leaving the start. As the first riders were coming off the Belle Isle Bridge, other riders were still going on the island — meaning the group was stretched over 6-miles.

An amazing showing for the Motor City!

Also, this wonderful video from MattMTB really shows just how many riders were on the streets of Detroit yesterday.

The August 2010 Critical Mass Ride in Detroit had nearly 500 riders

Without a doubt, this weekend has more Detroit riding opportunities than any other.

Friday’s rides

• 7 PM: Critical Mass ride from the corner of Warren and Trumbull near the Wayne State University campus.
• 9 PM: University of Detroit-Mercy Midnight Bike Ride. Registration begins at 8:00pm in Kassab Mall at the McNichols campus at the Livernois entrance.

Saturday’s rides

• 6 AM: Beat the Train ride. The group rolls out at 6:30 AM from historic Fort Wayne on the Detroit River.
• 9 AM: Tour de Troit Metric Century
• 10 AM: Tour de Troit. Over 2,700 cyclists have registered as of yesterday. Registration closes tomorrow, so sign up now so you don’t miss out.

This Saturday, September 18th is the Friends of the Clinton River Trail Fall Classic Ride. And this year there’s a 5K walk option as well.

You can still register on-site at Riverside Park in Auburn Hills on the morning of the event starting at 8:30 AM.

C and G News recently ran a story on this event and others that the Friends are involved in.

The Clinton River Trail Fall Classic is coordinated by Friends of the Clinton River Trail, a volunteer organization dedicated to developing and improving the trail for all users.

“We coordinate the printing of maps and stock the map boxes,” said Mimi Zwolak, event coordinator. “We send out an annual newsletter. We are all volunteers, different from the Paint Creek Trail, which has a commission. We meet monthly and we are a loose governing body.”

The Clinton River Trail is so lucky to have a Friends group such as this. The group is so energetic and willing to lead — and fun, too. They are a super dedicated group, so you should feel pretty good if you can come out on Saturday to support them.

Eric Sharp, Outdoors writer for the Free Press has done a fine article on the Tour de Troit.

Early fall is a great time to ride a bicycle. There’s a hint of crispness in the morning air, yet the days usually bring shirtsleeve comfort without the humidity of summer.

If you’re a neighborhood cyclist who has done a 10-mile ride and you’ve wanted to try something a little more ambitious, it would be tough to beat the Tour de Troit for that first outing.

Yes, there were 2,000 bicyclists registered as of last week. Another 1,000 are expected to sign up before the 25th.

While the T-shirt deadline has passed, it’s not too late to register and take part in one of the Anerica’s biggest bicycle rides.

This Saturday is PEAC’s Celebration of Cycling ride in Metro Detroit.

The Eighteenth Annual Celebration of Cycling Ride will be held on September 18th, 2010 starting at Warrendale Shelter in Hines Park. Routes range from a traffic-free 12-mile course to a challenging century ride. This ride is truly for everybody, including competitive cyclists and families.

PEAC is a great organization that not only helps cyclists with disabilities, they were instrumental in getting the Complete Streets legislation passed in Lansing.

From PEAC’s John Waterman:

Three youth with disabilities (Conor Waterman 9 , Katie Birchmeier 9, and James Kleimola 17) stood up for all cyclists in Michigan to help pass Complete Streets Legislation.

Conor, Katie and James wrote their own speeches and testified in front of the House Transportation Committee, Senate Transportation Committee and The Disability Caucus.  Their testimony and hard work was instrumental in the passage of Complete Streets and Senator Basham stated, “Conor, Katie, and James helped me make up my mind.”  After their presentation the Senate immediately moved it out of committee.

Now you can help these students by riding in the Celebration of Cycling Ride on September 18, 2010.  Join hundreds of people grabbing their bikes to help individuals with learn to ride.  If you cannot ride please sponsor a cyclist with disabilities for $20.00, so Everyone Can Ride.  Thank you for helping individuals with disabilities improve cycling for everyone.