Short and long, tough and easy, Wheelhouse offers a variety of guided tours for cyclists of all abilities and stamina level. What’s your interest? Detroit architecture…family rides…neighborhood excursions…dining tours…We can even craft a custom tour for your business or family!
We design many of our neighborhood tours in concert with a community partner organization. This way, we can be sure that the most accurate -- and interesting -- information can be shared with our riders. Community partners also receive a portion of our tour proceeds, so your money is going back into the neighborhood you've visited!
Check back often, as we will continue to update our 2010 tour roster! We also offer group rental rates and customized tours. Call 313-656-BIKE (2453) or email info@wheelhousedetroit.com for more information.
Architecture
date:
Saturday, April 10, 2010
time:
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
tour price:
$25.00
with bike rental:
$35.00
Local architect Brian Hurttienne will lead this overview of significant architecture in and around Downtown Detroit. The discussion will center on architecture in relation to urban planning, past and future developments as well as the social implications of architectural design, good and bad, in Detroit. Sites include Elmwood Cemetery, Lafayette Park, Brush Park, Wayne State University and the Medical Center. Ride distance: 15 miles. Please note: This tour will be repeated monthly through October.
The Villages
date:
Saturday, April 24, 2010
time:
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
tour price:
$25.00
with bike rental:
$35.00
This bike tour will take in the east end of the Detroit RiverWalk, the Berry Sub (home of the Manoogian Mansion), the cluster of Gold Coast apartment complexes, the stately manors of Indian Village and the quirky charm of West Village. Come see why This Old House Magazine just named The VIllages one of the best places to buy an old house in the US! Ride distance: 10 miles.
East Riverfront/Downtown/Dequindre Cut
date:
Saturday, May 01, 2010
time:
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
tour price:
$25.00
with bike rental:
$35.00
Ease into cycling season with this 10-mile cruise! We will take in the eastern end of the RiverWalk, including beautiful Gabriel Richard Park at the foot of the Belle Isle Bridge; Lafayette Park, a modern architectural gem of a neighborhood; the skyscrapers and stadiums of Downtown; and the graffiti gallery bike trail that is the Dequindre Cut.
Architecture (may edition)
date:
Saturday, May 08, 2010
time:
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
tour price:
$25.00
with bike rental:
$35.00
Local architect Brian Hurttienne will lead this overview of significant architecture in and around Downtown Detroit. The discussion will center on architecture in relation to urban planning, past and future developments as well as the social implications of architectural design, good and bad, in Detroit. Sites include Elmwood Cemetery, Lafayette Park, Brush Park, Wayne State University and the Medical Center. Ride distance: 15 miles. Please note: This tour will be repeated monthly through October.
Hamtramck
date:
Saturday, May 15, 2010
time:
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
tour price:
$25.00
with bike rental:
$35.00
Hamtramck is one of Metro Detroits most diverse and lively communities. This tour will explore its many angles: artsy, historic and multi-cultural, including the burgeoning Bangladeshi Avenue, the Polish Art Center, the must-see-to-believe Hamtramck Disneyland, the Power House that is getting national media attention and a Buddhist Zen Center. Riders will also get a chance to grab a treat at the charming Cafe 1923! Expert insider information will be provided by Jason Friedmann, Hamtramcks community and economic development director. Ride Distance: 15 miles. Community Partner: Preserve Our Parks.
Eastern Market
date:
Saturday, May 22, 2010
time:
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
tour price:
$25.00
with bike rental:
$35.00
After shooting up the Dequindre Cut to Eastern Market, one of Southeast Michigan’s most-vibrant places, cyclists will hear an overview of the 10-year plan for the area from Randall Fogleman, special projects manager for the Eastern Market Corp. After a couple of slices from neighborhood favorite Supino Pizza, we will walk off lunch with a tour of the farmers market before hopping back on our bikes. The ride back to the Wheelhouse will jog through the architecturally-significant Lafayette Park. Lunch included in price of tour. Distance: 5 mile ride with half-mile walk. Community Partner: Eastern Market Corp.
Creekside
date:
Saturday, June 12, 2010
time:
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
tour price:
$25.00
with bike rental:
$35.00
River access, green space, parks and canals all make the lower eastside community of Creekside one of Detroit’s best-kept secrets. After a meandering tour of its picturesque streets, the group will enjoy a rest stop at beautiful A.B. Ford Park on the shores of the Detroit River before heading back to the Wheelhouse. Karen Brown, executive director of Creekside CDC will provide detailed commentary on the history and future of the neighborhood. Ride distance: 15 miles. Community partner: Creekside CDC.
Southwest Detroit/Fort Wayne
date:
Saturday, July 10, 2010
time:
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
tour price:
$25.00
with bike rental:
$35.00
Viva Southwest! This tour will first focus on bustling Vernor Highway, lined with taquerias and thriving retail businesses, Clark Park and Holy Redeemer Church. After a swing through bucolic Woodmere Cemetery, we will stop for some sliders from the legendary Motz! On the way back to the Wheelhouse, we will cruise through historic Fort Wayne, the Hubbard Farms residential community and bustling restaurant row in Mexicantown. Ride distance: 15 miles. Community Partner: Savor Southwest Detroit/SDBA.
Hamtramck (july edition)
date:
Saturday, July 17, 2010
time:
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
tour price:
$25.00
with bike rental:
$35.00
Hamtramck is one of Metro Detroits most diverse and lively communities. This tour will explore its many angles: artsy, historic and multi-cultural, including the burgeoning Bangladeshi Avenue, the Polish Art Center, the must-see-to-believe Hamtramck Disneyland, the Power House that is getting national media attention and a Buddhist Zen Center. Riders will also get a chance to grab a treat at the charming Cafe 1923! Expert insider information will be provided by Jason Friedmann, Hamtramcks community and economic development director. Ride Distance: 15 miles. Community Partner: Preserve Our Parks.
Ford Birthday Tour
date:
Sunday, August 01, 2010
time:
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
tour price:
$25.00
with bike rental:
$35.00
In commemoration of the July 30 birthday of Henry Ford, this tour takes in some of the most significant auto heritage sites in the nation, including the Globe Building, the route of the first car in Detroit, The Piquette Model T Plant, the Highland Park Ford Plant, Oakman Boulevard, the Ford House in Boston-Edison and the historic Ford garage site in Downtown. Remember, Ford started as a bike mechanic! Ride Distance: 18 miles. Community Partner: Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance.
Other Suggested Rides
There are tons of group rides and great cycling destinations in Detroit (and the suburbs, too!).
Destinations and semi-regular rides:
DetroitBikes! Monthly bike tours of Detroit, leisurely pace, free.
Ride of Silence: An annual, national, slow-paced bicycle ride that takes place the third Wednesday of May to honor those cyclists who have been killed or injured while cycling on public roadways. The Detroit Ride of Silence 2009 will begin on May 20 at Belle Isle leaving from Scott Fountain promptly at 7:00 pm. The 10-mile ride will head west along Jefferson, north along Woodward to Comerica Park, and reverse route back. After the ride, there will be a free bar-b-que sponsored by Macomb Bike & Fitness.
Colin Hubbell Memorial Bike Ride: June 20 @ 10 a.m. -- An 18-mile tour of Belle Isle, Downtown, Midtown and New Center in honor of developer and Detroit-booster Colin Hubbell. All funds raised will benefit the Colin Hubbell Fund, which is designed to benefit community organizations and start-up businesses in Midtown. There is also a 5-mile family ride option.
Tour de Troit: Annual tour of Detroit each September with a police escort, and a great lunch and after-ride celebration in Roosevelt Park, the heart of beautiful Corktown. In 2008, about 1,1000 participants cycled 40 miles in the D! This year, the ride is set for September 19.
Velodrome at Bloomer Park: The Detroit-area velodrome is located at Bloomer Park, in Rochester Hills. Open to the public, with lessons, rentals and regularly scheduled races most nights.
Weekly Rides.
Sunday brunch rides with the Wheelhouse will start up in July - stay tuned for more info!
Beat The Train: Saturdays, 6:00 a.m. @ Fort Wayne.
Clinton River Riders: Various days, times, and locations -- check their site.
Slow Spokes: Primarily southern Macomb County, with various dates, times and locations.
Wolverine Sports Club: Rides every day except Friday, throughout Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.
Cycling Saddlemen: Rides on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, Hines Drive and Dearborn.
Bike Grosse Pointe: Rides on Saturday and Sunday mornings that meet in Grosse Pointe.
Special thanks to Steve Roach of Miller Canfield and the League of Michigan Bicyclists for helping to compile this list.