Nearly 2,000 bikers toured through both Baltimore City and County as the 18th annual Tour Du Port kicked off at Canton Waterfront Park last Sunday.
A bevy of sponsorship from big names like Panera Bread and Chipotle saw the events attendance balloon.
"We were able to increase our numbers by nearly 15 percent over last year's event, but are still hoping to get up to 2,400 next year," Christina Nutile, Bike Maryland's Event Coordinator, said. "This event is our annual fundraiser and is meant to highlight Baltimore as well as provide a fun opportunity for folks to get out on bikes and ride."
The tour, which is hosted every year by the non-profit organization Bike Maryland, was blessed with warm weather, clear skies and plenty of participation from local and foreign riders.
All money raised by Tour Du Port and similar Bike Maryland events goes directly to funding the organization's programs which are meant to create a better biking atmosphere in the Baltimore area.
Over the course of the ride, which can range from 13 to 65 miles depending on how much each rider wants to participate, bikers get a first hand look at historic neighborhoods, parks and sites.
Due to the varied terrain between shorter and longer routes, with some routes having more hills than others, cyclists were able to utilize either hybrid or road bikes.
The first tour, the 63-mile ride, began at 7:00 a.m. The park was packed with spectators, sponsors and reporters.
In the past two years, Bike Maryland has motioned to modify half a dozen laws to protect cyclists from motorists and provide them with an easier and safer ride.
For more information on Bike Maryland, visit http://bikemd.org.
