RiDE iT!
It’s hard to imagine how such a popular and exciting annual event can get much
better, but organizers promise some big changes to this years event. The new
and Improved Tour de Frederick and National Clustered Spires High Wheel
Race is slated for this August 12–14. The Tour de Frederick, Frederick County’s
largest and most popular event for bicyclists of all ages, will be profoundly
upgraded and expanded in 2016.
The August event includes six rides ranging from an ambling eight-mile history
tour of Frederick City lead by historians on bikes, the legendary covered bridge
ride, and a challenging but relatively flat 100-mile route. While America’s only
high wheel bicycle race, the most popular spectator portion of the weekend, will
run from 3–7 p.m. on Saturday.
Getting around via bike will also get easier as the rides on Friday and Saturday
will now begin and end at the AOPA Community Center, 296 Bucheimer
Road (adjacent the Frederick Airport) instead of the Delaplaine Arts Center as
in years past. This will enable riders to access more free parking, and make it
easier to ride into and out of Frederick City limits. A finish line party will be
held Saturday from 11:30 a.m. until 4 p.m., giving riders time to view the high
wheel bike championships.
Friday night will feature a mesmerizing
and engaging talk and multi-media
presentation by the legendary,
round-the-world high wheel
phenom, Joff Summerfield, who
PHOTO COURTESY OF TOUR DE FREDERICK
Some of the exciting changes this year include an additional sponsor. The
Rotary Club of Carroll Creek joins as co-host with the Boys & Girls Club of
Frederick County, which has hosted the first six years of the Tour. The weekend
event is a fund-raiser that will benefit both organizations.