Next Ride: Sunday, June 14, 2009

Tour dem Parks, Hon! is an annual bike ride held on the second Sunday of June. The ride serves to acquaint both locals and visitors with Baltimore’s many lovely green spaces and neighborhoods. Riders get an up-close view of large parks like Carroll, Clifton, Druid Hill, and Patterson as well as some quietly tucked away gems.

Participants can choose from 14 miles (a family ride on the Gwynn’s Falls Trail), 20 miles, 30-plus miles, or a metric century (60 miles). The Tour is followed by a laid-back barbecue featuring live music.

Proceeds from the ride are donated to “friends of parks” groups and non-profit organizations affiliated with parks, greening, and bicycling. The 2007 ride netted $10,000, which was distributed among half a dozen organizations. Funds were used to paint the Jones Falls Trail mural, print literature for the Gwynn’s Falls Trail, and more.

Comments from the 2007 ride

•  “…our first time on this ride and almost didn’t to it because of the threat of rain but decided to forge ahead and wow! We will always do this ride. We had no idea the city had so many wonderful parks and neighborhoods. Can’t wait till next year!”

•  “This was my fourth Tour. Rest and support stops are great. I will be back next year.”

•  “Perfect family ride. My 6-year old and I did it on a tandem and loved it.”

•  “Great ride. Excellent! Whoever mapped out the course did an excellent job.”

Tour dem Parks is hosted by the Mayor's Bicycle Advisory Committee and the Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks.