Over 750 people are registered for Bike to Work Day 2008 in the Baltimore region!  Are you one of those cyclists?  If not, there's still time - Registration closes Thursday, May 15th at noon. 

Bike to Work Day 2008, sponsored by the Baltimore Metropolitan Council, will be celebrated in the Baltimore region and across the nation on Friday, May 16, 2008.

Between 7 and 8:30 a.m. on May 16, bicycle commuters will converge on locations throughout the region - including Annapolis, Bel Air, Baltimore City, Towson, and a new location in Columbia!  Also for the first time, a small satellite rally will be held in Westminster at 12:30 p.m. at the Carroll County Office Building, 225 N. Center St.

Register today to be eligible for prizes! All participants will also receive an on-the-go snack with java, and the chance to win bike accessories or the grand prize: a bicycle tour for 2 on the C&O Canal/Great Allegheny Passage from our sponsor, Adventure Cycling. You must be registered and attend a rally to win prizes.

>> Register for Bike to Work Day 2008

The First Annual Baltimore Bike-A-Thon and Kids Festival will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2008 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Druid Hill Park in Baltimore City.

The mission of the Baltimore Bike-A-Thon and Kids Festival is to present a unique opportunity for students to raise money for their schools and to provide an athletic activity and fun festival especially for kids. The Baltimore Bike-A-Thon and Kids Festival also provides a platform for businesses to network and offer their products and services to students, parents, teachers, and school administrators.

The Baltimore Bike-A-Thon and Kids Festival is open to kids ages 4-13 in the Greater Baltimore Area. Participants may register individually or as a part of a school or other organization.

>> Find out more about the Bike-A-Thon

On May 21, 2008, at 7 p.m. cyclists around the world will take to the roads in a silent procession to honor cyclists who have been killed or injured while cycling on public roadways. Although cyclists have a legal right to share the road with motorists, the motoring public often isn't aware of these rights, and sometimes not aware of the cyclists themselves.

The Ride of Silence is a free ride that asks cyclists to ride no faster than 12 mph and remain silent during the ride. There is no brochure, no sponsors, no registration fees and no t-shirt.

The ride, which is held during Bike Safety month, aims to raise the awareness of motorists, police and city officials that cyclists have a legal right to public roadways. The ride is also a chance to show respect for those who have been killed or injured.

>> Find out more or find a ride near you

As warm weather starts to bring to mind thoughts of biking, walking, fishing, boating, and other activities, the Gwynns Falls Trail Council invites trail users and residents to kick off the summer by celebrating the opening of the newest trailhead at the I-70 Park-&-Ride with many exciting activities along the trails 15 miles from west Baltimore to the Middle Branch Park and the Inner Harbor Visitors Center.

On Saturday, June 7, which is National Trails Day, Baltimore residents will gather at 9 a.m. to officially open the trailhead with a ceremony organized by the Council and featuring several public officials. At 7:30 a.m. a professionally timed 5K and 10K foot race begins with racers returning by 9 a.m. Trail celebrators will have an opportunity by 10 a.m. to take a 30-mile guided bike ride, a 9-mile hike, or a 3.5 mile walk and tour of Historic Franklintown, led by the Baltimore Bike Club, Mountain Club of Maryland, and the Trail Council.

At the Winans Meadow trailhead, festive family activities will take place including a wildlife exhibit, bird watching, fly fishing demonstration, water quality sa.m.pling, and other children's activities including picnicking led by the Gwynns Falls Watershed Association and the City's Carrie Murray Nature Center.

Additional activities include a bird walk at 9 a.m. on the Windsor Hills Conservation trailhead at Fairfax Road and Clifton Avenue, a guided water trail tour of the Middle Branch with the Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks, or learn how to row a boat from 9 a.m to 3 p.m. at Middle Branch Park trailhead with the Baltimore Rowing Club.

>> View the full list of activities

Mark down Saturday, June 7th for the MA & PA Heritage Trail-a-bration!

Trail lovers everywhere are invited to join Harford County Executive David Craig, MA & PA Heritage Trail members and Harford County Parks & Recreation Department to a grand opening dedication & tree planting at Edgeley Grove Farm.

Following the dedication, the group will walk on the new trail from Edgeley Grove to Tollgate Road, where the new trail segment connects with the existing Bel Air trail. The new trail segment includes a gorgeous 800 foot boardwalk and bridge over Winter's Run.

>> Get the full schedule of events

Free Wheelin' Annapolis - a bike loan program that offers free daily bike "rentals" - will begin June 16th.

Bicycles will be available at the Visitors Center Kiosk at the Annapolis City Dock, seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through August 24th. A credit card and license must be presented to sign out any bikes.

When was the last time you cycled the beautiful, low traffic, roads of Washington County? The Cumberland Valley Century on Saturday, August 9th, provides the perfect opportunity to experience the history and charm of this lovely valley.

This ride, sponsored by Cumberland Valley Cycling Club, also benefits San Mar Childrens Home in Boonsboro, MD.


Three routes totalling 26, 63 and 100 miles take in some of the most fabulous scenery in the area as they roll through the Antietam Battlefield, past historic buildings and over stone bridges. The 26 and 63 mile rides will not visit the battlefield.

>> Register for the Cumberland Valley Century