PedalGR, meeting at 6:30pm on Wednesday, 6/30/2010 at Founder’s Brewing Company, 235 Grandville Ave SW. PedalGR is a ride of the Rapid Wheelmen Bicycle Club.
2009 Halloween Trees, Treats, and Tombstones tour
Positive things are afoot for bicycling in Grand Rapids. The past couple weeks have seen our first “official” bicycle lane going in on Lake Dr. and sharrows being marked on the road through Eastown and on Cherry St in East Hills. Be sure and come out to BikeStock on July 17th to show your support for continued expansion of bicycle facilities in GR that will make the city a better place to live and work and promote good health AND economic development. *steps off the soapbox*
This ride summary marks my 100th post on PedalGR. I hope you all keep reading and I will keep posting and riding. This week’s route will feature a guided tour of my favorite cemetery in GR, Oakhill. Established October 25th 1859, this 67-acre monument to history features some of the most elaborate private mausoleums in the city and LOT of grandiose family burial markers. Tom Bulten, director of nearby Oakdale Neighbors and the driving force behind the nearby Boston Square Community Bike Shop (BSCBS) will guide us to some of the highlights and give a little history of those living in the cemetery. BSCBS is a great program associated with The Motion Initiative that offers neighborhood residents access to a bike workshop where they can learn bike repair, purchase parts, and even buy an affordable refurbished bicycle. It also offers part-time employment opportunities in a neighborhood that needs more jobs.
We’ll visit plenty of other cool sites on our way to and from the cemetery tour, including the new Lake Dr. bike lane, Aquinas College, Reed’s Lake (with a short stint on the gravel road south of the lake), Meyer May House, and a couple of my favorite streets on the south side of Heritage Hill.
The Route:
View PedalGR – 6/30/10 – Oakhill Cemetery in a larger map
Need to Know:
- This is a no-drop ride. We will do our very best to keep the group together and make sure no-one gets separated or left behind.
- Ride is about 15 miles and will take about 2-2 1/2 hours (PedalGR is not a race).
- There is a short gravel road section near Reed’s Lake. It’s navigable on skinny tires, but requires extra caution.
- HELMETS ARE REQUIRED on Rapid Wheelmen Club rides. (The insurance company’s lawyers insist) Please email or comment if you need to borrow one and we will try to accommodate you.
Save The Date:
Monday, July 5th - Mr. B’s Joybox Express - This unique musician will bring his “joybox” powered blues and boogie woogie act to Grand Rapids on a bicycle for a show at the new GR Bike Park from 2-4pm. That’s right, Mr. B and his band travel on bicycles carrying all of their instruments, including a piano and an upright bass. The free show is being put on by Musical Arts for Justice in the Community (MAJIC), and any donations collected will go to support their future concerts. PedalGR is working to help organize a pre or post-concert mass ride. Watch for more details soon, but you’ll want to come out to see an amazing bike and a great show as the band rides from Saugatuck to Detroit performing all along the way. For more info check out: http://mrbsjoyboxexpress.com/
Saturday, July 10 – 2010 Meijer Grand Cycling Classic – This fantastic criterium race returns to the brick streets of downtown Grand Rapids for its fourth year. The date was moved to July so it could be included on the National Road Calendar. The NRC is the premier points challenge for US pro-cycling teams and means this race will draw great riders from all over the country and the world. Come down and support the local Bissell Pro Cycling Team.
Saturday, July 17 – BikeStock returns! – Bands, Beers, and Bikes will all come together on this Saturday at Rosa Parks Circle! The 2009 BikeStock at Ah-Nab-Awen park was a big success, but this event is coming back bigger and better for this year. Mark your calendar!
Also, become a fan of PedalGR on Facebook to get updates about upcoming rides!
Ride Safe and see you Wednesday!
