Bike Jam wheels around Patterson Park Saturday

by Mary Helen Sprecher
newsroom@baltimoreguide.com

BikeJam, the city’s annual festival of all things two-wheeled, is nine years old, and it shed its training wheels long ago. The event, which this year will be held on Saturday, May 26 in Patterson Park, will bring out pro racers, stunt riders and big names.

But it also hasn’t lost sight of the little things—namely the kids who are, after all, the sport’s future.

According to Gardner Duvall, one of the coordinators of BikeJam, this year has seen a jump in the number of children becoming involved.

“We’ve had increased cooperation and participation from the charter school,” he said.

Patterson Park Public Charter School, located in the former St. Elizabeth School building above the park, will be a beneficiary of BikeJam, receiving a portion of the proceeds from the Rec Rides, two different recreational touring rides that meander through various parts of the city.

Getting children involved, added Gardner, dovetails into the whole philosophy of BikeJam.

“Our long-term goal has always been to interest and involve people in all aspects of cycling.”

All BikeJam events take place rain or shine. Organizers are hoping for good weather, but are expecting the crowds to turn out anyway. Gardner would like to see a turnout of nearly 10,000. It might be possible, he said, if the weather cooperates.
Events begin at 8 a.m. with the Rec Rides, which begin and end in Patterson Park, and which journey outward to take in sights around the city. Both rides are open to the public. Helmets are required. The Waterfront Ride, which runs through South and Southeast Baltimore, is a 12-mile route with moderate climbs. Per-person registration fee is $20 in advance and $25 on the morning of the event.

The Parks Ride, which encompasses Patterson Park, Druid Hill Park, Wyman Park and the Cylburn Arboretum, is 31 miles, and includes a rest stop at Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital. Some hills and climbs are included in the route. Per-person registration fee is $25 in advance and $30 on the morning of the event.

Rec Rides are a popular event with the public, many of whom will be able to see the city from a bike for the first time.

“A lot of the favorite elements are coming back,” said Gardner. “We’re also having a greatly improved band stage” with live music between noon-4 p.m.

Amateur racing events for various ages and skill levels (as well as co-ed and single-gender only races) take place in and around the park beginning at 8:45 a.m. Children’s activities, held in the special kids’ pavilion, run from noon-4 p.m.

Between noon and 1:45 p.m. children can take advantage of The Maryland Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Educational Program. According to Chris Tomlinson of Corrigan Sports, the organization providing event direction services, the safety program “teaches basic concepts of pedestrian and bicycle safety including safe street crossing, traffic laws, helmet care, a quick spin bike check-up, and on-bike skills. It builds skill and confidence in children for safe riding and walking in the community, highlighted by riding a skills safety course.” Loaner bicycles are available for use in the program.

For those who need a boost of second-hand adrenaline (in other words, all the rush of watching someone else make daredevil maneuvers, with none of the risk), the bike trials and stunt show takes place at 12:45 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. (For those who want to take a different type of risk, the Dangerous Pie Eating Contest is held at the band stand at 2:30 p.m.)

The Women’s Pro Race goes off at 1:30 p.m.

In a special program, children’s bike helmets will be distributed free of charge to encourage safe riding.

The centerpiece of the event, the 2:30 p.m. Kelly Cup Men’s Pro Race, concludes the competitive events. Awards are presented at 4:15 p.m.

A complete schedule of activities as well as information on registering for various events, including races and rec rides, is available below and at the website, www.bikejam.org. (Note: For those who find that bicycling is addicting, and can’t wait to get out again, there’s always Tour Dem Parks (an event entirely separate from BikeJam) on Sunday, June 10. Rides of 12, 20 and 30 miles will be offered. Rides begin around 8 a.m. from Carroll Park and explore various aspects of Baltimore. Info: www.tourdemparks.org.