Wheels up! It’s Bike Month across the US and in our backyard. Bike Month has been rolling since 1956, when the League of American Bicyclists created it to show off cycling’s many benefits and to get more people into using pedal power — and amid a big push to get people using modes of transportation other than their cars, Bike Month is getting a lot more attention in Miami.
Here are nine ways to have the most possible fun on two wheels this month.
Cycle De Mayo
PAMM is offering free admission all month to visitors who bike to the museum. They’ll start the celebration with Cycle De Mayo on Thursday, May 5, when you can buy some Cinco-inspired happy hour cocktails, catch a show with Afrobeta on the terrace, make your own spoke card art, and get your trusty steed a free check-up.
“Pedal to Exhale” Bike to Yoga
Stressful week? Say Namaste to CycleHolics’ “Pedal to Exhale” Bike to Yoga on Saturday, May 7. Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the south entrance of David Kennedy Park in Coconut Grove for a 15-mile ride followed by a 45-minute “Hatha” yoga session with Vanessa of Kurma Yoga Miami.
Miami Lakes Community Bike Ride
Miami Lakes will host its second community bike ride on Saturday, May 7. Registration opens at 8:30 a.m. and the ride kicks off at 9 a.m. at Picnic Park West. It will be followed with “Paint a Picture for Mom” starting at 10 a.m.
Bike the Basin with Dade Heritage Trust
Take mom out for a ride on Sunday, May 8 at Miami Marine Stadium with Dade Heritage Trust. You’ll cycle over to Miami Rowing Club for a quick tour and then pedal along the basin in front of the stadium. Brickell Bikes will have on-site rentals if you need to borrow some wheels. Call 305-358-9572 for more information.
Magic Mondays
Cruise Coral Gables, South Miami, and Coconut Grove on a 20-to-25-mile Magic Mondays ride on Monday nights starting at 8:30 p.m.. You’ll take off from the University Metrorail Station and keep a 14- to 17-mile-per-hour pace. Be sure you have lights and that you can keep up with the pack.
Emerge Second Saturdays Ride
Join Emerge Miami for its Second Saturday ride to the Wynwood Farmer’s Market for some fresh and tasty treats. Meet up at 10 a.m. on May 14 at the Coconut Grove Metrorail station for this casual round-trip ride.
Coral Gables Bike Tour
You might have noticed that we’re celebrating Coral Gables this month. Here’s your chance to get into the city with a little Gables history on the go. Meet at the Coral Gables Museum at 10 a.m. on Sunday, May 15, to tour George Merrick’s grand entrances to the city and learn local history and architecture. Cost is $10 and only $5 for members of the museum and riders under 12.
Critical Mass
We’d be remiss not to list the O.G. Miami bike event: Critical Mass on May 27 at 6:30 p.m. at Government Center. Keep an eye on the Miami Bike Scene Facebook page for more details.
Grove Bike Tour
Later this month, we’ll be launching our Coconut Grove neighborhood guide. What better way to celebrate than a free Coconut Grove bike tour to learn about one of Miami’s oldest neighborhoods? Meet at 9:30 a.m. on May 22, when urban naturalist Frank Schena will guide you through the historical sites and give you a whole new view of the Grove. Be sure to tell us your favorite haunts in Coconut Grove on Twitter or Facebook.
Did we miss your favorite Bike Month event? Let us know in the comments.