September 2024: A cargo bike library and a Wheelie Good podcast!
Saddle up! As we steer toward autumn, our Wheelie Good podcast debuted with BAW co-founder Nate Phipps, who announced a new cargo-bike lending library spearheaded by Human Electric Hybrids.
Welcome back to Wheelie Good News!, published by the Bicycle Alliance of Washtenaw! We hope you’re having an exciting and/or relaxing Labor Day Weekend.
Below, you’ll find a list of bike-related events throughout the month of September in Washtenaw County. If we’ve missed something, you can email us at bikewashtenaw [at] gmail, or just leave the information (with a link, please) as a comment below. We’ll add them here and post them on Instagram and Facebook.
Top four stories this month:
If you think you need a car to move stuff around, now’s the time to check out cargo bikes. And later this month, you’ll be able to literally check them out when Human Electric Hybrids debuts its free lending library of e-assist cargo bikes! Three types of bikes will be available, and if you’ve never ridden one, the Alliance is excited to work as a partner for education and outreach. Once you try one out, you’ll realize how versatile and fun they are to ride.
To learn more about how this library will function, listen to the first episode of the Wheelie Good podcast with guest Nate Phipps! (See below ⬇.) We’ve got a lot of great guests lined up to talk about their love of cycling and the myriad ways they advocate for everyone to share the road safely. And if you subscribe, we’ll send each episode (and its extensive liner notes) right to your inbox!
The dangers faced by vulnerable road users found the national spotlight last week when NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Daniel were killed on their bicycles by a reckless driver with “five or six beers” in him. It’s another preventable tragedy reminding us that cyclists need protected lanes that cars can’t reach.
The Ann Arbor DDA is eager for your feedback about bike parking in town. How convenient is it? Where is it lacking? Let them know about any problems and potential fixes by filling out the quick, 15-question survey below:
Happening This Month
Sun 9/1
Meet at York Food & Drink in Ann Arbor for a self-supported, mixed-terrain ride of 100 miles, 100km, or 50km. It’s not a race, and not a drop-in; registration is required. The route will be along open roads, and you’ll have to follow it on your GPS system. There will be beverages and food available for purchase.
August Bike Party — Rescheduled?
Fri 9/6 | 7pm {tentative)
As you may have seen, stormy weather postponed the rock-and-roll-themed August Bike Party that was scheduled for August 30. As of this writing, planners are attempting to reschedule for this Friday, September 6. Nothing is decided yet, but cross your fingers! We’ll announce any firm news on Instagram and Facebook.
Wed 9/11 | 5:30 - 8:30pm
Come to Frutig Farms for a fun-filled, casual fundraising event—including food provided by Zingerman’s Roadhouse, live music, open bar, lawn games, a wine pull, a silent auction, and an opportunity to “tip the trail”— to support the Border-to-Border Trail and to sustain the ongoing work of trail development and community outreach.
Walk Bike Washtenaw Board Meeting
Wed 9/11 | 6:30 - 8:30pm
Anyone interested in making Washtenaw County a leader in bicycling and walking is encouraged to attend on the second Wednesday every month. All meetings are virtual and open to the public.
Sat 9/14
Tour de Troit is a leisurely, 20- to 25-mile ride with a police escort through Detroit’s historic areas, street art projects, and fabulous architecture, with three mechanical "pit stops" and one rest stop that includes a snack and mechanical support. Lunch, beer/wine (21+), and Faygo are provided after the ride, along with a celebratory party.
13th Annual Rivalry Ride for ALS Research
Sun 9/15
Every year, cyclists raise money for Active Against ALS and ride a metric century from Spartan Stadium in East Lansing to the Big House in Ann Arbor. Buses to Sparty leave Pioneer High School at 6:30am, and lunch will be provided at the halfway point in Stockbridge. You can also ride halfway, create your own ride, or just make a donation!
Common Cycle Steering Committee Meeting
Sun 9/15 | 4 - 5:30pm
The Steering Committee meets monthly online on the third Sunday of the month, and all are welcome to discuss a variety of organization business. Please email us at info@commoncycle.org for the Zoom link and meeting details.
Royal Oak Classic Bicyle Swap Meet
Sun 9/15 | 8am - 3pm
Over 60 premier vendors from eight different states will meet at the Royal Oak Farmer's Market for a mini version of the Monroe Bike Show—”the biggest, the oldest, the best antique and classic bicycle and minibike show, swap meet, and auction in the country.” Anyone with a bike to sell can display it for only $10.
Fri 9/20
Stroll local exhibits and learn innovative ways to live sustainably and take climate action. Find resources and communities for sustainable action, including: the circular economy, solar technologies, green transportation, plant-based foods, climate resiliency, environmental education, clean water protections, and energy waste reduction. Dozens of nonprofit, governmental, and other exhibitors will be on hand to answer your questions. (And look for news about the new cargo bike lending library!)
Sat 9/21 | 8am
Meet at Adrian Park Plaza for a chip-timed ride through beautiful Lenawee County, with a challenging yet versatile ride experience. Roads are well marked with support and gear stops throughout each of the three routes of 64, 44, and 26 miles. Enjoy food and beverage post-race, free to all participants. ANSI approved helmets are required for all events. Online registration is available through September 20.
Sat 9/21 - Sun 9/22
Head west to Middleville for the state’s dirtiest weekend on two wheels. The Gravel Bike Race offers three distances for new and experienced gravel riders, and the Gravel Triathlon lets you choose between the “Shorty,” “The Long One,” and “The Half Crazy” distance triathlons—along with duathlons, relays, and aquabikes. Registration for all events is open now.
Bicycle Alliance of Washtenaw Meeting
Wed 9/25 | 7 - 8:30pm
Come to HOMES Brewery and meet your local bike enthusiasts, hear about our ongoing efforts, and get involved!
Fri 9/27 | 7 - 9pm
Join us at Ann Arbor Farmers Market for a chill, guided, 8- to 10-mile bike ride through Ann Arbor. Helmet, lights, and themed costumes are encouraged, and hang around for post-ride fun with friends, neighbors, and visitors around the community!
Sat 10/5
Meet at Chelsea Fairgrounds for a gravel bike event where cyclists choose from four distances: 100, 71, 41, and 24 miles, literally to Hell and back. Most of the roads will be gravel with smaller, paved segments. See the site for route details.
Flying Rhino Cycling Club Fall Back 40 Color Tour
Sun 10/13
Meet in Clarkston and choose from six dirt road tours between 10 and 64 miles through beautiful fall foliage. Prices include donuts and cider provided at rest stops, and catered lunch from Union Joints. Kids under 12 ride free!
On the Regular
Repairs
Ypsi Bike Coop Repair Booth — Saturdays, 9am - 1pm.
Bring your bike to the Ypsilanti Farmers Market in Depot Town.
Common Cycle Community Workspace — Sundays, 11am - 3pm.
Volunteers at Common Cycle will help repair your bike.
Bike Park Work Days — Sundays, 12:30 - 2:30pm.
Volunteer for trail maintenance work at Tuebingen and Bandemer Bike Parks.
Rides
There are regular weekly rides every day of the week in Washtenaw County, for all surfaces, lengths, and skill levels. Check the ride calendars below for the complete list.
Thanks for reading, and feedback is always welcome. Here’s to a beautiful month on the streets, paths, trails, and jumps all over Washtenaw County—and don’t overdo it on the pumpkin spice.
The Bicycle Alliance of Washtenaw
