Herring Run Park – Baltimore Magazine

Field Notes: Spring Cleaning, New Biking Trails, and OPACY Goes Green

Amy Mulvihill — Fri, 17 Mar 2017 08:30:00 +0000

“The ‘water year’ begins October 1. That’s when water use drops after the periods of higher use from late spring through summer, meaning precipitation can go toward replenishing the water supply,” explains Jay Apperson, the deputy director of communications for MDE. “Snow that gradually melts into the ground is particularly good for recharging groundwater.” The Baltimore region has recorded 5.79 inches of precipitation thus far in 2017, 2.07 inches fewer than average. The drought warning triggers more frequent testing and evaluation by the MDE, and Maryland Secretary of the Environment Ben Grumbles says, “Water conservation and efficiency are always smart—especially during extended periods of reduced rainfall.”

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Tour du Port Gets Adventurous

Ron Cassie — Fri, 25 Sep 2015 01:05:00 +0000

The 22nd Tour du Port, Baltimore’s annual waterfront celebration of bicycling, kicks off Sunday morning in Canton with a challenging new ride option.

For the first time, the Tour du Port will offer a 36-mile “Urban Adventure” route for mountain biking and cycle-cross enthusiasts— through little-known local streets and single-track paths in Herring Run Park, Stony Run, Druid Hill Park, Dickeyville, and on the Gwynns Falls Trail.

“We’re really excited about it. Every year we want to do something to broaden the appeal of cycling in the city,” said Nate Evans, executive director of Bike Maryland, which hosts the Tour du Port, a major fundraiser for the organization. “Knobby tires are recommended. There’s some loose gravel and natural paths that they’ll definitely work better on.”

Other rides include a 14-mile, family-friendly “Harbor Loop” that passes through Patterson Park, the Inner Harbor, Federal Hill Park, South Baltimore,
Silo Point, and Tide Point; the “Port to Peninsula Loop,” which provides riders with a 31-mile ride option from Canton,
through Dundalk to North Point State Park, and back; and the 50-mile “Raven Challenge” through Baltimore City, around Loch Raven
Reservoir, through Long Green Valley, and back to Canton. All the rides are fully supported with SAG vehicles and rest stops.

Afterward, of course, there’s a post-ride celebration at the Canton Waterfront Park, with food trucks—tentatively including Aladdin Grill, Gypsy Queen, Kommie Pig, Koopers Chowhound, Pizza di Joey, and Green Bowl—plus vendors, music, canoe rides, and beverages, courtesy of New Belgium Brewing.

Walk-up registration, which includes two beers, is available the morning of the event.

Exhibitors at Tour du Port include a number of the region’s bike clubs and bike shops. Also, on display at
the Bike Maryland tent will be Tom Palermo’s last bicycle frame. An accomplished bicycle
builder and married father of two, Palermo was killed in a tragic crash on Roland Avenue last December.

Schedule of Events:

7 a.m: Registration begins

7:15 – 7:45 a.m: Raven Challenge and The Urban Adventure riders leave

7:45 – 8:15 a.m: Port to Peninsula Loop riders leave

8:15 a.m: Harbor Loop riders leave

10:30 a.m – 3:00 p.m: Lunch with food trucks, New Belgium Brewing, and music at
Canton Waterfront Park.

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Sunday: Tour Dem Parks, Hon!

Ron Cassie — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 12:25:00 +0000

Maybe we’re biased at Bike Shorts because we like bicycling and parks, so for us, this weekend’s annual Tour Dem Parks, Hon! event is Baltimore’s “can’t miss” ride.

This year’s recreational ride, per usual, offers something for everyone, including a 14-mile family ride on the Gwynn Falls Trail, and longer treks of 25, 36, and 64 miles. The popular, 36-mile “Le Grand Tour” hits all the city’s major parks, including Patterson Park, Druid Hill Park, Herring Run Park, and Leakin Park—as well as Fort McHenry. All rides start and end in Carroll Park, include snack and rest stops, and wrap up with a BBQ lunch and live jazz.

Proceeds support Baltimore City’s parks, and local environmental, “friends of parks,” and bicycling groups.

Last year’s ride attracted more 1,100 registrants online and more than 1,300 riders overall, including walk-ups. Online registration ends Thursday, so hurry, because official Tour Dem Parks, Hon! ride T-shirts may sell out. So far, the weather looks good this weekend. There may be rain Sunday night, but with an early start, we think we’ll be okay…

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