Do you prefer your bicycle rides and tours to be paired with a little history? Detroit can make all your bicycling wishes come true offering both historic bicycle group rides and tours.
If you've been searching for a fun loving group to bike through the urban streets of Detroit with, Beat the Train (BTT) is for you! The group meets every Saturday at 6:15am from April through October at the Historic Fort Wayne, located at Jefferson and Livernois. The group usually rides 30-35 miles at a moderate pace (14-18mph). This is not for those looking to train, however the group does not keep a super tight pace-line; they just ask you stay with the group.
BTT has a few tips for your first ride out with the group:
- Get to Historic Fort Wayne before 6:15am to give yourself some time. Ride begins at 6:30am sharp.
- Everyone must wear helmets to ride with Beat the Train.
- Pack plenty of water and equipment to fix a flat.
- The best tires for the urban terrain are MTB, Touring, Cyclocross.
- First time with the group? Let everyone know and find a buddy to ride with.
- If you are having difficulty keeping up or need to leave for any reason, let someone know.
- Hope you like a hearty post-ride breakfast at Los Galanes in Mexican Town.
Looking for more of a guided bicycle tour? The Motor City Bike & Brew Tours offers bicyclists great views of the city and a chance to get up close and personal with some of Detroit's historic landmarks. This year the tour company is offering three different history themed bike tours:
Brewery History Bike Tour- see former brewery sites along with the new generations of Detroit breweries. Tour is 10 miles with a relaxed pace for all biking abilities.
Tour dates: May 25, June 15, July 6, July 21, August 18, September 17, and October 5
Prohibition History Bike Tour- see former prohibition sites and learn about Detroit's bootlegging. This tour goes from Belle Isle and back, totaling 15 miles with a relaxed pace.
Tour dates: May 5, June 30, July 14, August 4, and September 22.
Theater History Bike Tour- new this year this tour offers sights of Detroit's theater venues. You'll learn about the history of the buildings and ride a total of 7.5 miles at a relaxed pace.
Tour dates: April 20, June 1, July 20, August 17, September 8, and October 6.
General admission for a tour is $29.99 per person (with additional online fee of $2.64).
Bike rentals are also available for $10 per rental (with additional online fee of $1.54).
