What is the distance of the ride?
The ride is approximately 21 miles long. View the map at https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40002885
How long does it take to finish the route?
Most people finish under 2.5 hours.
Are there bathroom facilities available?
Catonsville Bicycle Shop will have a restroom available at the start of the ride. There is also a restroom at Fort McHenry.
Are there water stations?
Yes, we will have water filling stations at the start of the ride at Catonsville Bicycle Shop. CRTT will set up a filling station at Federal Hill. We strongly encourage you to bring your own water bottle.
What time should I get there?
Try to come at 8 a.m. and enjoy some drinks, fruit and pastries and socialize with your fellow cyclist. Thanks to Atwater’s for providing the food. Arriving early will give you time to register and go over the ride details with Charlie Murphy, our experienced urban cyclist. The ride will begin promptly at 8:30 a.m. when the Town Crier bellows.
What if my bike breaks down or I get a flat tire?
Catonsville Bicycle Shop will have a sag wagon with experts to repair your bike and get you back on the road. No one is left behind.
What is the route like?
The 4-mile ride from Catonsville to the Gwynns Fall Trail along Frederick Road is all downhill. Much of the ride will be on the Gwynns Falls Trail which is relatively flat as is the downtown Baltimore section. The ride back is a little tougher. It is mostly uphill and can be difficult at the end of the ride. You can view the route at https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40002885 and view the elevations at the bottom of the page. All surfaces are paved.
HOT TIP: You may want to have a friend or relative pick you up at Fort McHenry if you don’t think you have the stamina to make it back or if you have young children accompanying you. You get to have all the fun of the bike ride and little of the hard pedaling.
Do I have to wear a helmet?
YES!
Do I need to wear anything else?
Yes! Please dress in red, white and blue! Please wear suitable footwear, no flip flops.
I signed up for a free ticket. Can I still make a donation?
Yes, go to www.crtt.org and make a donation or bring cash or a check to the bike ride.
Better yet, become a member of CRTT and help us build and maintain more trails at www.crtt.org/membership.
Where can I park?
There is a parking lot off Newberg Ave. where you can park until 1 p.m. We will have signs directing you to parking.