Don’t forget to register for the Tour de Troit ride scheduled for September 19th.

This year promises to be the biggest one yet. Just before noon this morning, there were 900 riders registered. That’s just 200 rider fewer than last year’s event and there are still nearly three weeks to go.

This event raises fund for the Corktown-Mexicantown Greenlink: 16 miles of mostly bike lanes and street improvements. This project is moving forward and will likely break ground next summer. This would double the bike lane mileage within the city of Detroit.

Corktown is already a very bike-embracing neighborhood. The oft filled bike rack in front of Slow’s is a testament to that. These bike lanes are just going to add to that momentum.

The full Tour de Troit press release will additional details is below the fold…

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Next Thursday, May 14th at 5 PM I’ll be giving a presentation at the Model D Speaker Series.

The topic is greenways and trails in Detroit and Hamtramck. I’ll bring everyone up to speed on what’s been going on through my work with the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance.

I’ll also be introducing our brand new Detroit Greenways Network brochure, a hint of which is shown at the right.

The location is the Green Garage in Midtown at 4444 Second Avenue, conveniently located just around the corner from Motor City Brewing Works.

Bil Lusa will also speak about this September’s epic Tour-de-Troit bike ride.

This is a free event though you’ll need to sign up.

Link: More Information

Cyclists get ready to roll in front of the old Michigan Central Station

Last Saturday’s Tour de Troit bike ride in Detroit was a huge success, thanks in part to some wonderful September weather.  There were 1,100 registered riders this year, about 500 more than last year.

As mentioned earlier, this annual ride is a fundraiser for the Corktown-Mexicantown Greenlink.  This year $10,000 $12,000 was raised.

Thanks to all who participated, sponsored, or volunteered — helping make this fundraiser possible.

There are some great photos on-line here and here.

Despite the recent batch of cooler weather, the riding season is far from over.

And in Detroit, there are two upcoming bike tours that benefit the development of Detroit trails.

September 20th: Tour de Troit

This is one very unique, not-to-be-missed bike tour. Last year over 600 bicyclists did this ride. The Detroit Police block all the streets and vehicle traffic as the huge group of bicyclists slowly toured the urban environment.  It definitely puts style over speed, fun over fast.

This year’s tour takes place Saturday, September 20th at Roosevelt Park, Corktown, Detroit, Michigan, USA.  We strongly encourage advance registration.

If you register before September 13th, you will be guaranteed a T-Shirt with your registration. New this year will be a pre-ride packet pickup, to be confirmed in future correspondence. Advance Registration is $25, $15 for students. Day-of-ride registration is possible for $35 from 8:30-9:30 a.m..

This is the seventh incarnation of the tour, and our organizers have been hard at work planning yet another new route for 2008 which includes Downtown, Eastern Market, Brush Park, Boston Edison, University District, Palmer Park, Old Redford and Grandmont-Rosedale areas. A short rest stop is planned at the newly-renovated Northwest Activities Center to allow riders to eat, drink and learn about community development and greenways planning in the city. The ride will end at Roosevelt Park where cyclists can remain from 2-6 p.m. to enjoy music, food and drinks.

This year, for those visiting the city who wish to stay the night before, after, or both; Motor City Casino Hotel is offering a special, deeply discounted rate of $139 per night for Tour participants! You can even bring your bicycle (up to two) to your room! More information

This ride helps raise funds for the Corktown-Mexicantown Greenlink project.

October 5th: Conner Creek Greenway

Wheelhouse Detroit, the Detroit Eastside Community Collaborative and Detroit Bikes! have put together a 20 to 25 mile tour of the Conner Creek Greenway and surrounding neighborhoods!

Points of interest include the Better Made factory, Norris Town, the Dorais Velodrome the Milbank Trail, and a lunch stop at the historic (and haunted!) Two Way Inn.

The tour cost $30, which includes a lunch at the Two Way Inn.  Add $10 if you need to rent a bike.  This ride benefits the Conner Creek Greenway.

The ride begins at the Wheelhouse Detroit, which is located at 1340 Atwater St., at Rivard Plaza on the Detroit RiverWalk. There’s free parking at the Plaza.

There’s more tour info on-line.  You can also call the Wheelhouse at 313-656-BIKE (2453) or send them an mail.