The Tootsie Roll: a Detroit Bikes! Winter Challenge Bicycle Ride.
When it comes to winter in the D, we have a limited number of choices: We can whine about it; we can mope over it; we can pine for spring. Or, we can spit in the face of old man winter and challenge it. In the earnest belief that bad weather looks worse through a window, Detroit Bikes! is set to challenge winter head-on.
Photos from Detroit Bikes! Java Junket Ride. Riders bundled up for a November ride.
On Saturday, February 23, 2008, shake the snow off your bicycle and join Detroit Bikes! for the Tootsie Roll, a Winter Challenge bicycle ride! Since February 23rd is the anniversary of the introduction of the Tootsie Roll, (and some of us are closet candyholics), we have named our ride the Tootsie Roll. Not that creative, but hopefully it brings a smile to your face! By the way, the Tootsie Roll is BYOC (Bring Your Own Candy!).
For those of you who may find, midway through the ride, that you just can't take the cold, or suffer an unrepairable mechanical issue, there will be a support vehicle following the ride.
Yes, you could be lying half-clothed under a swaying palm tree while a tropical breeze caresses your skin. But you aren't! You are in the D. Join us!
David’s Winter Cycling Tips
Cycling in the cold months of winter does not have to be miserable. In fact, it can be quite fun. Having this mythical-sounding winter-biking fun, however, requires certain things. Chief among these is the right attitude – determination to have fun. Not a grim determination (We don’t like grim! Boo!) but a cheerful, ain’t-nobody-or-nuthin-gonna-stop-me determination to enjoy yourself. After all, we’re doing this because we want to, not because we have to. Otherwise we’d be sipping hot chocolate by the fireplace or throwing back shots at the bar. To go with the have-fun attitude, you need some thought and preparation. This preparation mostly falls into two categories: clothing and riding.
Click to view David's Winter Cycling Tips. (or click on http://tinyurl.com/36hrv7)
Tootsie Roll details
When: Saturday, February 23, 2008
What: The Tootsie Roll: a Winter Challenge Bicycle Ride
Start: 10 AM at the Millennium Bell, Grand Circus Park, downtown Detroit
Distance of ride: approximately 12 miles
Length: approximately three hours, including stops
Pace: very relaxed, slow touring pace
Route Map: http://www.mapmyride.com/ride
Route Description: Depending upon weather and road conditions, the exact route may be modified. Generally, however, the Tootsie Roll will first head to the Riverwalk from Grand Circus Park. The Tootsie Roll will coast into the Mercado in Mexicantown, and will take a sustenance and bathroom break at the new Cafe con Leche. From the Mercado, we will roll (get it?) in a clockwise direction and will make our next stop at Dave's Drive-In on Piquette at John R. Dave describes his eponymous restaurant as a "greasy spoon." From Dave's Drive-In, the Tootsie Roll will ride to the Eastern Market and make a beverage and pastry stop. The ride will conclude at the Millennium Bell.
Contacts: Tom Page & David Pertuz, Membership@DetroitSynergy.org
Saturday: Shop Detroit Midtown!
