Tour Dem Parks, Hon is back for its 16th year, and the event promises something for everyone. The annual bicycle tour features Baltimore’s finest parks, diverse neighborhoods, and dazzling waterfronts. Challenge yourself to the thirty-five-mile ride, or bring your family along for a fun five-mile bike excursion through Druid Hill Park. Experience Baltimore on two wheels, then enjoy a celebratory barbecue with your fellow riders! Are you interested in learning more about this exciting, local event? Read on!
What is Tour Dem Parks, Hon?
Committed to the promotion and enjoyment of urban cycling, Tour Dem Parks provides participants with the chance to explore the beautiful parks of Baltimore. The city’s 6,000-acre park system offers lush greenery, historic sites, and waterways that often go overlooked. The event was initially organized by two Baltimore cycling advocates and has since grown into a nonprofit organization. All profits are donated to local groups who promote cycling, Baltimore’s park systems, and the environment. Since 2003, Tour Dem Parks, Hon has donated over a quarter of a million dollars to local organizations.
Do You Have to Be an Experienced Cyclist?
The best part of Tour Dem Parks is that it has something for everyone! Riders can choose from four different routes: a five-mile ride through Druid Hill, a fifteen-mile ride down the Jones Falls Trail, a twenty-five-mile ride through three main parks, and a thirty-five-mile ride through all five main parks. It’s a fully supported ride, with well-stocked rest stops throughout! “The event [features] riders aged six to eighty,” one participant said.
What Do Participants Love About It?
Tour Dem Parks, Hon has been so successful because it attracts a wide audience of participants, and people continue to come back year after year. “I love the comradery,” one rider said, “seeing all of the people, the city, and the incredible scenery.” What’s more? Participants meet behind the Rawlings Conservatory after the ride for burgers, refreshments, and live music!
Why Baltimore City?
The city’s active cycling community has encouraged a growing network of bikeways and trails! Programs like the Baltimore Bike Share bring the world of cycling into our neighborhoods and provide locals with efficient, affordable transportation throughout the city. The increasing number of recreational riders and bicycle commuters has given Tour Dem Parks, Hon a strong platform. Traveling through the city on a bicycle isn’t just fun, but it’s also a great way to tour Baltimore’s vast and important history. Explore Baltimore’s park systems, and learn more about the War of 1812 and the Civil Rights Movement.
When is Tour Dem Parks?
The event takes place on the second Sunday in June; this year on June 10, rain or shine! June is a beautiful month in Baltimore. The parks are green and lush, and the temperature is perfect for an early morning bike ride. “It’s just a great chance to go through all of the parks,” one participant said, “we have the most amazing parks.” Riders have the opportunity to see the streets, parks, and waterways of Baltimore in full summer bloom.
Where Can I Register?
Register today on the event’s website! Riders who register by May 22 will receive t-shirts featuring the 2018 poster art for the event. Consider volunteering to ride for free!
Ben Frederick Realty is a Proud Sponsor
Ben Frederick Realty is a proud sponsor of Tour Dem Parks, Hon. For over 35 years, this third-generation Realtor(R) has specialized in helping multi-unit apartment property and mixed-use commercial-investment real estate owners buy, sell, lease, exchange, finance, and operate their investment real estate. Click here to see our current inventory of available properties or contact Ben Frederick III, CCIM at (410) 752-6400 or send email using our contact page.