Pedals and Passport

Pedals and Passport
August 3, 2024

www.majortaylordetroit.org

EVENT OVERVIEW

Pedals and Passport is the signature event of the Metro 313 Cyclones - Major Taylor Detroit.  This fun international event and historic path of the Underground Railroad focuses on scenic cycling just across the United States border in the country of Canada.  In addition, 2024 marks the 10th Anniversary of “the Cyclones” so this is one of the events we are celebrating with you!

When you travel from the Motor City of Detroit, Michigan, you will be treated to some fantastic and low elevation cycling as you venture into Canada’s most southern city of Windsor, Ontario.  Whether you take the Ambassador Bridge and be treated with a breathtaking city landscape of two countries or decide to drive through the tunnel underneath the Detroit River, our Canadian friends will be ready to receive you.

Pedals and Passport has three route options that will take you through some of the historic cities that were originally part of the northern portion of the Underground Railroad (Go Visit AMHERSTBURG FREEDOM MUSEUM).  All routes will start and end at Malden Park.  From there, the mostly flat and smooth terrain will take you southeast to the cities of Amherstburg, Colchester, and Leamington, Ontario, with coastal views of the Detroit River, windmill laden farms and wine vineyards, and relaxing overlooks of Lake Erie. Make sure you have your PASSPORT or enhanced driver's license to cross the border.

Check out what we did last year: 2023 Pedals and Passport Video

To learn more about Marshall Walter "Major" Taylor, click here.

Click here for the Major Taylor Biography at a Glance

The Major Taylor Association, Inc., is a nonprofit, tax-exempt [501 (c)(3)] organization raising money to maintain the statue of the 1899 world cycling champion in his hometown of Worcester, Mass., and to educate people about Major Taylor's life and legacy.  

Click DONATE if you would like to make a contribution to support.

Traveling across the U.S. Border into Canada 

*** IMPORTANT INFORMATION! PLEASE READ! ***

You are traveling to and cycling in another country! Please ensure you are able to travel outside of the United States.Please ensure you have a valid and current passport or Enhanced Driver's License.  You will be unable to enter the country if this is not the case.Review this information if you are traveling with a firearm.It is illegal to take controlled substances across the Canadian border, whether you are entering or leaving the country, unless you have a prescription to do so.  Refer to the link for detailed information.COVID Requirements are regularly updated. Refer to the link for the latest information.Travel requirements entering Canada;Use a passport for international travel, widely accepted.Citizens of the United States need a valid U.S. passport to fly to or transit through a Canadian airport.Citizens of the United States coming to Canada by car, bus, train or boat need to carry proper identification and meet the basic requirements to enter Canada.Please contact your cellular company to ensure you have cellular service coverage.Please contact your credit card or banking institution to inform them of you travel out of country to avoid unintentional fraud alerts.There is NO Shuttle or Transport service To and From the event.

Via Car

There is a charge for traveling into and returning from Canada.  The approximate amount is $7.00 (US).  PLEASE NOTE: The fee station is Debit/Credit Card.If Traveling via the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, 100 E Jefferson, Detroit, MI 48226.If Traveling via the Ambassador Bridge, Malden Park Visitor’s Center is closer. (As you exit customs, just stay on Ambassador Bridge/Huron Church Rd, turn right on Malden Rd.)

PLEASE ARRIVE AT MALDEN PARK EARLY

This is to allow yourself time to get through Customs as there may be a traffic buildup when entering into Canada.

Prepared Answers when traveling into Canada

Where are you from or where do you live? Answer honestly, your information is being looked up anyway.If driving, What is your Driver's License number? Have it on you or memorize it.Where are you going or why are you here? Participating in the Pedals and Passport Cycling Event at Malden Park.How long will you be in the country? Approximately 12 hrs, or answer honestly unless you are staying at one of the hotels.Are you bringing anything with you or carrying any firearms?  The answer should be NO and please do not have any firearms or other contraband on you.

Prepared Answers when traveling back into the United States

Where are you from or do you live? Answer honestly, you information is being looked up anyway.If driving, What is your Driver's License number? Have it on you or memorize it.Where are you coming from or or why were you in Canada? Participating in the Pedals and Passport Cycling Event at Malden Park.How long were you in Canada? Approximately 12 hrs, or answer honestly unless you are staying at one of the hotels.Are you bringing anything back with you or carrying any firearms?  The answer should be NO (or answer honestly if you bought a gift or duty item, and please do not have any firearms or other contraband on you.

EMAIL COMMUNICATIONS
Registered attendees will receive regular communications beginning July 1, 2024.

EVENT REGISTRATION

Registration is done via BikeReg.com.  NOTE there is a small processing fee from BikeReg.

Early Registration is $60.00 (US) - NOW until June 30, 2024Regular Registration is $75.00 -  July 1, 2024 until July 31, 2024

FOR CANADIAN RESIDENTS: Due to the exchange rate for Canadian residents, the registration and registration fee payment must be handled by the Pedals and Passport Committee.  Please send an email to [email protected] with the Subject: Canadian Resident for Pedals and Passport.  

*** NO ONSITE REGISTRATION | NO REFUNDS ***

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

 

FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2024
3:00 pm: Pedals and Passport Pre-Ride/Shakeout Tour

Welcome Center Parking at the Ambassador Bridge
MDOT Carpool Parking Lot Detroit, 1
603 21st St, Detroit, MI 48216

6:00 pm ~ 9:00 pm:  Metro 313 Cyclones Welcome Social
McShane's Irish Pub & Whiskey Bar
1460 Michigan Ave., Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 462-4973
https://mcshanespub.com/ 

SATURDAY, AUGUST 3, 2024
Event Day / Registration Pickup You will be able to obtain your registration packet pickup on the day of the ride.  You must wear your wristband for rest stops and after ride picnic. ** NO REGISTRATION ONSITE  **

 

Location: Malden Park Visitor's Center | 4200 Malden Road | Windsor, Ontario, N9C 2G2, Canada

Note: If using your own navigation system, please use the address as provided or you may be routed to a different location at the park. 

 

Time: 7:00 am - Registration Opens and closes at 4:00 pm

(Everyone is expected to be back at the starting location by the ending time.)

 

Parking: There is no charge for parking at the Malden Park Visitor’s Center.

 

After-Ride Lunch: Lunch will be served approximately between 1:00 pm and 1:30 pm and end around 4:00 pm. (Lunch will be provided for all registered riders and vegetarian/vegan options will be available.)

 

Routes and Rest Stop Closures: ALL routes must be completed and riders returned to Malden Park by 4:00 pm.  Please be mindful of each rest stop closing time, otherwise, you risk not having support.  

The Leamington Rest Stop (Seacliftt Park) will close at 1:00 pm.The Colchester Rest Stop (Colchester Park) will close at 2:00 pm.The Amherstburg Rest Stop (Austin “Toddy” Jones Park) will close at 3:00 pm.

(Routes are subject to change but the final route will be posted by 8/1/2024) 

 

Click Here for Route Cuesheets via RidewithGPS

Leamington Cyclone Century+ - Click Here for the Leamington Cyclone Century+ RouteArrive 1 hour early.The Cyclone Led Group will start at 7:30 am (Avg. Pace 18+ mph)If riding on your own please be on the road no later than 7:45 am*** FOLLOW THE ORANGE ARROWS ***
 Colchester Metric - Click Here for the Colchester Metric Route Arrive at least 1 hour early.The Cyclone Led Group will start at 8:00 am (Avg. Pace 15 to 17 mph)If riding on your own please be on the road no later than 8:30 am*** FOLLOW THE GREEN ARROWS ***
 Amherstburg 30 - Click Here for the Amherstburg 30 Route Arrive at least 1 hour early.The Cyclone Led Group will start at 9:00 am (Avg. Pace 13 to 15 mph)If riding on your own please be on the road no later than 9:30 am.*** FOLLOW THE YELLOW ARROWS ***

Understanding your Cycling Fitness: The minimum expected average pace to complete the Colchester Metric / Leamington Cyclone Century+ routes is 15 mph.  Please know your cycling fitness and choose the appropriate route to ensure you can complete your ride by 4:00 pm. 

SUNDAY, AUGUST 4, 2024
Pedals and Passport Recovery Ride
8:00 am: Group ride through the City of Detroit - Belle Isle | Dossin Great Lakes Museum 
100 The Strand, Detroit, MI 48207
* Fee to park on Island

SAFETY – IT’S EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY!

Pedals and Passport is an open road course, so cyclists will be riding with vehicular traffic and must obey traffic laws.  All cyclists are required to wear a helmet. To help ensure your safety on ride day, there will be directional signage and map routes available online.  If you prefer to ride as a group, there will be ride leaders and sweepers on each route leaving at specific times.

PLEASE NOTE: Stretches of the Pedals and Passports route will be along Essex County Road 20 with limited bike and shoulder lanes.  It is acceptable for cyclists in Windsor to safely assume the right lane and for cars to pass via the left lane.  You will see signs like the one below or something similar throughout the route.  Please use discretion when attempting to pass other riders or traveling in a peloton.

RIDER AMENITIES

WristbandCommemorative T-Shirt (Not guaranteed if registered AFTER 7/7/2024)Commemorative MedalSAG supportAt each rest stop water, snacksAfter-Ride Lunch (Vegetarian/Vegan Options will be Available)

HOTEL LOCATIONS

Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center
Renaissance Center, 400 Renaissance Dr W, Detroit, MI 48243
Phone: 313-568-8000

Courtyard by Marriott Detroit Downtown
333 E Jefferson, Detroit, MI 48226
Phone: (313) 222-7700

Hilton Garden Inn Detroit Downtown
351 Gratiot Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
Phone: (313) 967-0900

DEARBORN, MICHIGAN HOTELS - Less than 20 miles from Malden Park
Holiday Inn Express & Suites - Detroit – Dearborn
6355 Mercury Dr, Dearborn, MI 48126
(313) 240-0300

SpringHill Suites Detroit Dearborn
6335 Mercury Dr, Dearborn, MI 48126
(313) 336-3900

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Detroit - Dearborn
5801 Southfield Fwy, Detroit, MI 48228
(313) 336-3340


WINDSOR, ONTARIO, CANADA HOTELS
Holiday Inn & Suites Windsor (Ambassador Bridge) – Less than a mile from Malden Park
1855 Huron Church Rd, Windsor, ON N9C 2L6, Canada
Phone: (519) 966-1200

Caesars Windsor
377 Riverside Dr E, Windsor, ON N9A 7H7, Canada
Phone: (800) 991-7777

Holiday Inn Express Windsor Waterfront
33 Riverside Dr E, Windsor, ON N9A 2S4, Canada
Phone: (519) 258-7774

Doubletree Hilton Windsor Hotel & Suites
333 Riverside Drive West, Windsor, Ontario, N9A 7C5, Canada
Phone: (519) 977-9777

Best Western Plus Waterfront Hotel
277 Riverside Dr W, Windsor, ON N9A 5K4, Canada
Phone: (519) 973-5555

Four Points Sheraton Windsor Downtown
430 Ouellette Ave, Windsor, ON N9A 1B2, Canada
Phone: (519) 256-4656

Comfort Inn & Suites Ambassador Bridge
2330 Huron Church Road, Windsor, ON N9E 3S6, Canada
Phone: (519) 972-1100

RIDER REMINDERS

Make sure your bicycle is tuned and in good safe working condition and you have spare inner tube and air in your tires.Bring Water bottle filled with water/sports drink and maybe an energy (bar, gel) to stay safe and stay hydrated.The following will make your ride more enjoyable: Cycling gloves, sunglasses, padded cycling shorts, sunscreen.All riders must sign a waiver form.All riders must wear helmets, no exceptions!If unable to attend, you will be able to transfer your registration but there will be NO REFUNDS.Questions email: [email protected]. 

GROUP RIDE ETIQUETTE

If you ride with the Cyclone Led Group, please follow the ride leader at the pace that is set.  Each group led option will have sweepers to ensure no one is left behind.Cycling in a group can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience, but it's essential to maintain clear communication with your fellow riders to ensure everyone's safety and comfort. One effective way to communicate is through hand signals, which can indicate upcoming turns, stops, or potential hazards on the road. Be sure to use these signals well in advance of any action, giving your fellow cyclists ample time to react. Verbal cues, such as calling out "slowing," "stopping," or "car back," can also be beneficial in alerting others to changes in the group's movements or approaching vehicles. Proper road etiquette is equally important when riding with a group this summer. Always ride predictably and maintain a steady line, avoiding sudden movements that could cause confusion or accidents. When passing another rider, announce your intention by calling out "on your left" and ensure you have ample room to overtake safely. Adhere to traffic rules and regulations, including stopping at stop signs and red lights, and yielding to pedestrians. By practicing proper communication and road etiquette, you can contribute to a safer, more enjoyable group cycling experience for everyone involved.

PEDALS AND PASSPORT EVENT REFUND POLICY
THERE IS NO REFUND FOR THE EVENT. There is no rain date; Pedals and Passport will go on rain or shine.  In case of severe weather or restrictions mandated by local Canadian municipalities, Metro 313 Cyclones reserves the right to cancel/alter/modify Pedals and Passport. All attendees will be notified in advance.

Last updated: 7/26/2024