Nearly one thousand cyclists are expected to draw attention to Metropolitan Detroit’s growing network of Greenways while raising funds for the Corktown-Mexicantown Greenlink on Saturday, September 20, 2008. It is the seventh annual Tour de Troit that will also raise awareness of cycling as a mode of transportation. The tour is a leisurely, meandering forty-mile exploration of Detroit’s history and points of interest. Escorted by the Detroit Police Department Tactical Operations, cycling and city enthusiasts can enjoy many neighborhoods and sights free of cars and traffic signs.

700 cyclists muster for 2007 Tour De troit.

The Corktown-Mexicantown Greenlink, a project of the greater Corktown Development Corporation, is a series of bike lanes and pedestrian paths that connect Corktown and Mexicantown with each other and the riverfront. The “Dequindre Cut” is a soon to be completed pedestrian and bike lane that will connect the riverfront with Eastern market. Cyclists can learn about other greenway plans on the tour.

Registration and sign-in for The Tour de Troit will begin at 8:30 a.m. at Roosevelt Park in Corktown, in the shadow of Michigan Central Station. Coffee, carbohydrates and bike technicians will be available at that time, in preparation of the ride.

At 10 a.m., the ride will proceed through 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.

The pace of the ride will be approximately 10-12 miles per hour and helmets are mandatory. In case of mechanical problems, a SAG (support and gear) van will be present, as well as a “Sweeper Squad” of experienced cyclists.

Pre-registration is available at www.tour-de-troit.org. The cost is $25 per rider ($15 for students) and includes a t-shirt if registration is confirmed prior to September 13. Roosevelt Park is located at the intersection of Michigan Avenue and 14th Street. Plenty of on-street parking is available, but riders are encouraged to take the SMART bus or cycle to the event.

Tour de Troit has garnered broad community support during its seven-year growth. It is a Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau “Visit Detroit” event and is sponsored by Miller Canfield; Team Detroit; Burst LLC; Vitamin Water; Slow’s Bar BBQ; Zachary and Associates; O’Connor Real Estate & Development; Canine to Five Detroit Dog Daycare; Bureau of Urban Living; Recy-clean; Michigan Green-Safe; Wheelhouse Detroit; The Hub of Detroit; Michigan Trails & Greenways Alliance; New Center Council; Detroit Bikes!; thedetroiter.com and Kem 3D.

Cyclists embark on 2007 tour.