Musical Mystery Bicycle Tour
Saturday, May 21st, 2011
Frequently Asked Questions
Where will it begin and end? The ride begins and ends at the Cambridge Common, in Harvard Square.
What if I want to drive or take public transit to the start? Harvard Square is both a tourist and a transportaion center, making it easy to reach by many methods. A map of parking lots can be found on the HarvardSquare.com website. You can also take your bike with you on the Red Line to the Harvard Square T Stop. On weekends, bikes are allowed on the subway all day. From the T stop, you’ll be within yards of the ride starting point. Many bus routes lead to Harvard Square, and Cambridge buses are equipped with bike racks. Click here for more information about bikes on the T.
Who is running the event? The Cambridge Bicycle Committee with the help of the Cambridge Police Bicycle Patrol Unit, the Cambridge Community Development Department and the Cambridge Public Health Department. Additional support is provided by Whole Foods Market, Zing Pizza, and Kind snack bars.
Do I need to register? There is no registration, just show up and enjoy!
How much does it cost? It’s free.
Is this a ride for children? While the ride is not fast, it might be a bit long for young riders. Young children who aren’t used to riding distances would fare best on a trail-a-bike (and the youngest in seats or trailers). Anyone under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Is it suitable for adult beginner cyclists? Yes, if they are in sufficient physical health to safely travel at an average speed of about 7 miles an hour for an extended length of time. It is of course possible to only stay with the ride for a portion of the trip and head back at one’s own time and pace.
How long is the ride? How long will it take? The route is about 9 miles long. Traveling at roughly 7 mph, with periodic music stops, and one extended rest stop including a concert performance, the time from start to finish will add up to about 2 hours.
How difficult will the route be? Mostly flat and easy.
Will there be a police escort? Yes, the Cambridge Police Department's Bike Patrol will be with us the entire way. Riders are expected to stay with the group and follow the instructions of the Bicycle Patrol officers.
Where will we ride? Check out the map, which will be posted to this site the day before the ride.
What if I'm late? You can try to catch the ride along the route using the map.
What if I get a flat tire? Riders should ensure that bikes are in good working order before the day of the ride. There will be a mechanics from Urban Adventours and Eastern Mountain Sports along on the ride for minor emergencies. The route does pass near several local bicycle repair shops.
What about the weather? Heavy rain will cancel the ride. There is no rain date. If the weather looks doubtful, check cambridgebikes.org. An announcement will also be sent to the ride email list. (Sign up on this web site's home page.)
Will there be public toilets? There will be facilities available at MIT where we’ll take our mid-ride break. At Cambridge Common, you can try using the facilities at a nearby church and hotel.
Are helmets required? Helmets are required by law for children 16 years old and younger and recommended for everyone.
What are the rules?
1. Stay with the group and behind the leader.
2. The Cambridge Bicycle Patrol will be accompanying the group. Obey all
police directives.
3. Stay to the RIGHT of any yellow center line on the road
4. We will ride as a group with the road open to traffic ahead of us and
behind us. Please ride safely and courteously, and obey all police directives.
Email info [at] cambridgebikes [dot] org for more information.