History
The Tour de Troit is an ever-evolving event and here is a beginning attempt to document it! When possible, we’ve included the map and the accompanying guide so that you can print out a favorite and ride it for yourself. If you have any pictures or anecdotes you’d like to share, please email info@tour-de-troit.org.
- 7th Annual Tour de Troit, September 20, 2008.
This one was off the hook! Over 1,000 riders traveled up the Woodward Corridor to Palmer Woods, University of Detroit Mercy and Sherwood Forest — then west to Rosedale Park. The rest stop was at the newly-renovated Northwest Activities Center.
Photosets: yensky, Jer, m-bike, renniekin, Alex, MarzulloHead. Downloads: flyerfront and flyerback and Map and Guide.
- 6th Annual Tour de Troit, September 15, 2007.
This year, the tour explored the lower east side of Detroit, including the Creekside neighborhood with its canals and parks. The rest stop was at the Aero Saarinen-designed Flynn Pavilion on Belle Isle. Over 600 riders participated, and the food at the park was a big smash with tamales and roasted pig (courtesy of Slow’s) in high demand. The weather was pretty prefect.
Photosets: Detroit Bike Blog (scroll down), Renegage, Rex Roof. Downloads: tourmapguide07; flierfb07.
- 5th Annual Tour de Troit, September 23, 2006.
This route was a big hit. It took in much of Southwest Detroit, with a rest stop at Fort Wayne (pictured). Highlights included Del Ray, Oakwood Heights, and the West Vernor Corridor. It was great to see families gather on their porches and clap and wave as the more than 300 riders traversed the lively neighborhoods.
Photoset: Detroit News; Video: cdsdave. Downloads: MapGuide06; FlyerFront06; FlyerBack06.
- 4th Annual Tour de Troit, September 24, 2005
This year, the two stops were at Earthworks Urban Garden and Back Alley Bikes. The route was a bit shorter than usual — 35 miles — and approximately 200 riders participated. Looking at the photograph above, it is remarkable how much has changed in the area east of the Ren Cen in just 3 years.
Photosets: GM; Willie. Article: TheDetroiter.com. Downloads: tour-map-2005; Flyer Front; Flyer Back.
- Third Annual Tour de Troit, October 16, 2004
- Second Annual Tour de Troit, 2003
The second year’s ride started at Grand Circus Park and stopped at T-Plex and Clark Park with lunch at McNally’s Deli in Corktown.
- First Annual Tour de Troit, 2002
Year One had stops at St. Albertus, T-Plex, Young’s BBQ and Pure Detroit at the Fisher Building. The ride was supported with a bike trailer with a cooler, pump and some tools. Tshirt sales helped offset the expense of print materials and other expenses. The ride began at Grand Circus Park and ended in Hart Plaza.
Tour de Troit. Founded by Edward Potas and Mike Kiewicz. Logo by Tom Kindred.