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TOUR SEASON IS UPON US!
Our 2018 tour season will start rolling on April 14! To whet your appetite, here are some random bits and pieces of info about what's to come.
Any April tour is 5 bucks off when you register by March 30. Head to wheelhousedetroit.com/tours and check out the April Eastern Market, Belle Isle, Architecture, Auto Heritage and Public Art options. Just use the promo code "APRILFLOWERS" when you register to score the deal!
As we are able to confirm our guides and stops and partnerships, we are adding more tours all the time! So far, we have April and early May booked as well as all of our Urban Agriculture tours with partner Keep Growing Detroit; our October Haunted tours; Palmer Park; Churches of Poletown; and all of Memorial Day Weekend! Still plenty to come, so keep checking back...
If you have a group looking for your own private tour, we urge you to book now! Please send an email to Linda at bookings@wheelhousedetroit.com to get started on reserving a date.
Finally, head over HERE to read a great article from the Winnipeg Free Press about a tour a writer from that neck of the woods enjoyed last fall!
Motorless in Motor City from the Winnipeg Free Press
Motorless in Motor City
Switching up the power source on a jam-packed, whirlwind tour of Detroit
by Leesa Dahl
3/24/18
In less than a week I’ve taken in all the automotive history this revitalized town has to offer. By Day 4, I’m more than fired up about a pedal-powered tour through Motor City.
My three-hour "Near East Side" bike tour kicks off at Detroit’s busy, charming riverfront area, a nine-kilometre stretch along the navigable Detroit River.
I can see the shoreline of Canada from Wheelhouse Detroit, an open-air bicycle retail and service centre that’s owned and operated by tour guide Kelli Kavanaugh, an avid cyclist and longtime Detroiter, who opened for business in 2008.
Kavanaugh, 41, offers a variety of bicycle tours of old neighbourhoods in the former American powerhouse of automotive industry, a city that is currently undergoing a resurgence after the federal government bailed out the bankrupt city in 2013. Since then, city planners and investors here have been working to restore its lost prosperity. So far, they’ve managed to build a multimillion-dollar, state-of-the-art multi-purpose arena — Little Caesars Arena — in the downtown core, repurposed hundreds of vacant buildings, skyscrapers and warehouses, and constructed a 5.3-kilometre people-mover called the Qline.
And to my delight, they’ve also put a fair share of cash into creating a safe, cycle-friendly infrastructure that Kavanaugh says is a benefit to both local commuters and visitors.
"There are currently over 200 miles (322 kilometres) of bike lanes, and we’re starting to see more protected, or buffered, lanes going in," says Kavanaugh, as she patiently fits our nine-member tour group with helmets and adequate bicycles.
Mine, a pink single-speed coaster with a lightweight aluminum frame, cosy couch saddle and a front basket is chosen for me by the store’s cautious and efficient assistant, Tony Ruacho, whose real job as "sweeper" is to keep the nine of us in unison and upright. He is also required to take care of any mechanical issues that might arise on the tour; but in reality, the cajoling Ruacho’s easy banter and keen knowledge of Detroit’s fascinating neighbourhoods are where his true talents lie.
Following Kavanaugh’s brief monologue on the importance of using hand signals — an ostensible rule of the road which should not, in any event, be diminished — we’re heading west along the gorgeous, revitalized riverwalk.
Here, we carefully weave through hundreds of costumed runners who, it would appear, are participating in a fundraising event, possibly a 5-km charity race.
It’s an easy pace for a veteran cyclist who spends a good part of her Manitoba summers pedalling to and from the newspaper’s office, an 11-km one-way trip along quiet residential streets and scenic parks. But all this clambering up and down curbs, manoeuvring between parked vehicles and pedalling up and down bridges along St. Aubin Street is arduous, so when we finally park our two-wheelers in front of a graffiti-tagged warehouse at the 43-acre Eastern Market I’m quietly relieved.
We scatter ourselves among the crowds for a quick walk-about of the historic commercial district that, on this day, is reeling with activity as thousands of Detroiters (45,000 people regularly frequent the Eastern Market on any given Saturday) eagerly try to get their hands on a wide variety of produce, meats and spices.
The scores of retail shops, restaurants and art galleries are all so alluring but we’re soon back on the saddle heading toward the market’s eastern edge. After a few minutes, we arrive at Gratiot Avenue and coast down an entrance ramp onto the Dequindre Cut Greenway, a former Grand Trunk railway line that stretches 9 km between Mack Avenue and Atwater Street.
Grafitti by local artists Hygienic Dress League is displayed along the revitalized Dequindre Cut Greenway. Photo by Leesa Dahl
Rail service here culminated in 1995, and a decade later a 20-foot-wide, two-way paved path (one for cyclists, one for pedestrians) was constructed eight metres below street level at a cost of US$21 million. The lengthy revitalization project, which is bounded by walls of grass, shrubs and a few crumbling factories, offers access to and from many residential areas. Once inside, a number of emergency poles equipped with telephones keep visitors feeling secure while they stroll, cycle or enjoy a workout on a small outdoor gym.
The Cut is a peaceful urban escape that also features some of the city’s finest graffiti, a nice touch that fills the extended green space with an urban gritty vibe.
Tagging public spaces was once an integral part of Detroit’s historical landscape. Graffiti was, and still is, a socio-political statement as well as a form of self-expression during the city’s difficult economic downturn. Here, on the Dequindre Cut Greenway, the wall art is a vibrant blend of old, fortified and new. Many are inspirational words of wisdom or simply whimsical, colourful illustrations. Others, meanwhile, are masterpieces created by some of the city’s finest graffiti artists, including Hygienic Dress League, a husband and wife team — visual artists Steve and Dorota Coy — who decorate the Cut and the rest of Detroit with their profound, inspiring works of art.
Marc Pasco, director of communications for the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, says he is overjoyed to see Detroit bouncing back with innovative ideas like the Dequindre Cut Greenway. He "did the auto thing" for years before the flourishing industry collapsed, taking with it more than half of the city’s population.
Since then, low startup costs and economic development initiatives have created an influx of American suburbanites and millennials, who arrive daily to start up IT businesses or work for trendy companies like Shinola, a watch assembly plant located within the historic Argonaut Building, formerly the General Motors Research Laboratory. (Shinola also assembles a line of shiny, high-end bicycles at its spiffy flagship retail store on Canfield Street.)
A fence on Heidelberg Street is covered in old, worn shoes. Photo by Leesa Dahl
They live in many of the city’s old repurposed buildings such as the low rise Wayne County Building on Randolph Street in the financial district — formerly the Wayne County administrative offices — or opt to pay US$700 a month to reside in a 290-square-foot micro-apartment inside the 38-storey David Stott Building on Griswold Street.
Or, they might choose to rent one of the 279 units available at the newly developed Orleans Landing here on the Dequindre Cut Greenway.
"For US$1,000 a month you can live in a one-bedroom or for US$2,800 you can have three bedrooms," explains Pasco, who is optimistic about the recent rise in Detroit’s population (now around 700,000), the decrease in unemployment rates and a downtown core that is 99 per cent full.
With that in mind, one might be inclined to compare the city’s current economy with that of 1955, an era when Detroit was reaping the benefits of a prosperous automotive manufacturing industry. But Pasco says this is unreasonable.
"The ‘50s are gone," he says. "So let’s move on and reinvent ourselves, continue with the path we’re on, the trajectory that we’re on and create a new glory era, or a golden age, if you will."
For now, our two-wheeling trail is restricting us to the right side of a busy two-lane roadway as we say farewell to the quietness and safety of the Dequindre Cut Greenway and pass into the gentrified McDougall-Hunt neighbourhood on the city’s east side. We cautiously veer right past empty grassy lots, ramshackle buildings and abandoned homes and find ourselves at a bizarre outdoor exhibit by Detroit’s Tyree Guyton (tyreeguyton.com), a local painter and sculptor who developed his idiosyncratic environment as a creative response to ongoing blight and decay in the neighbourhood he grew up in.
A stroll down Heidelberg Street, which attracts more than 200,000 tourists a year, is like walking into an open-air art gallery that is sullied and has no decorum. It’s kind of like a neighbourhood garage sale gone astray. A leaning wire fence at its entrance is covered in hundreds of previously worn shoes (clearly a sentiment to the area’s lost souls) and the modest, clapboard homes along its length are painted in a splendour of colourful numbers and dots. Thousands of used, tattered items — doors, clocks, tires, appliances, furniture, clothes, televisions — are scattered on its sidewalks and boulevards, communicating subliminal messages of time spent and wasted.
The Heidelberg Project is said to be a powerful symbol of how a few communities in this recovering metropolis have ended up discarded. A post on the project’s Facebook page alongside an image of discarded television sets says: "Art can be a catalyst for positive change and help breathe new life into neighbourhoods that have been virtually forgotten."
It’s a hopeful way of thinking that might sadly be set aside in the next couple of years when the Heidelberg Project in McDougall-Hunt is dismantled and laid to rest, not unlike the fallen Civil War generals and other dead Detroiters who are buried at our next stop, the park-like Elmwood Cemetery, on the city’s east side.
Built in 1841, the 86-acre Elmwood Cemetery on Elmwood Avenue is a tranquil must-see stop, especially at a steady pace on a two-wheeler, which allows time to chat and learn about the history of this fascinating place.
Formerly farmland situated on the outskirts of Detroit, the tranquil non-denominational Elmwood Cemetery is presently a woodland of over 1,400 trees that represent more than 90 species. Kavanaugh says regular pruning of the black locusts, hawthorn, beech, willow, ash, American plum, domestic pear and other woody plants helps conserve the natural beauty of the grounds, which is splendidly enhanced by hundreds of statues and limestone monuments like the Gothic Revival chapel, constructed in 1856, and the Gothic-inspired gatehouse, built in 1876.
Recently, the cemetery, which also happens to be the final resting place of some of Detroit’s most distinguished people, became the city’s first accredited arboretum, a botanical garden of sorts that is similar to our final destination.
As we zip past Earthworks Urban Farm, an urban agricultural site on Meldrum Street in the near east side neighbourhood, Kavanaugh is quick to point out that it’s only one of 1,400 urban gardens and farms found in and around the city that sprouted from swathes of vacant land.
Kim Rusinow, owner and operator of Destination Detroit Tours, adds that the city’s increasing economic challenges and declining population also compelled community developers to begin to think critically and collaboratively on ways to address the abundance of vacant land.
"We viewed vacant land as an opportunity, not further demise," says Rusinow, who offers extensive tours of Detroit, including Downtown, Midtown, Eastern Market, Greektown, Corktown and the riverfront, as well as special places like the Heidelberg Project and Grand River. "We brought a better understanding of how the vacant land repurposing might be used to better life in the communities through jobs, healthily food and sustainability and improving the overall way the community looks and feels."
And like the partially constructed Inner Circle Greenway, a 42-kilometre non-motorized loop that Kavanaugh says will be completed in the next few years, Earthworks Urban Farm will continue connecting Detroit neighbourhoods, communities and people.
Pre-Spring Tune-up Special!
Through the first day of Spring -- March 20 -- Wheelhouse will be offering our Standard Tune-up for just $35 (Reg. $50).
What's a tune-up? It's a procedure that will get your bike into tip-top shape for the riding season. It includes the adjustment of gears and derailleur; minor (on-bike) wheel true; lube; and we will check/tighten the crank and headset.
We will also offer a commensurate savings of 30% off our Tune-up Plus and Total Overhaul Services!
Tune-up Plus = Standard Tune-up + full (off-bike) wheel true + clean bottom bracket and both derailleurs: Reg. $75
Total Overhaul = Tune-up Plus + all parts: Reg. $175
Besides saving a ton of dough, getting your bike in for its annual service now means that it will be available every single time those nice days appear while they are still rare and far between. Plus, turn around times are quick this time of year: if no parts need to be ordered we can typically have your bike back to you the very next day!
No appointment necessary! Just bring your bike by the Hamtramck shop and we'll go over everything with you, check it in and call you when the work is complete! It's that simple. We're open 5 days a week: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 11am - 7pm and Thursday 1 - 9pm.
If getting the bike here is an obstacle, we can arrange pickup and/or delivery! Email us HERE to get it set up.
More info about our service department and staff can be found HERE.
BARGAIN BIN
We have a sweet Bargain Bin whose contents are filled with so many goodies. Some of the stuff is just perfectly good old stock, some is random swag and some is slightly damaged.
BIKE ACCESSORIES
• Incredibell Road Bell (specifically designed to fit Shimano STI* road brake levers). Was $11, Now $7 [5 available. Old Stock]
• SKS Rear Fender Blade. Was $19, now $15 [1 available. No Packaging]
• Mob Armour Magnetic Phone Case. Was $45, Now $15 [1 available. May be missing parts]
• Bottle Cage (Black Plastic) $1 [Nothing to write home about. 1 available]
• Mountain Mirrycle. Was $17.20, now $16 [1 available. Damaged Packaging]
• Delta Pedal Cages MD/LG (Black Plastic). $10 [1 available. No Packaging]
• Green Guru Clutch Saddle Bag. Was $24.99, Now $5 [1 available. Needs a few stitches]
BIKE LIFE ACCESSORIES
• Bern Thin Shell Winter Knit Helmet Insert. Was $10, Now $5 [4 available S/M/XXL/XXXL. Old Stock]
• Metropolis Flip Helmet Mirror. Was $15, Now $7 [2 available. Old Stock]
• Water Resistant Saddle Cover. $1 [1 available]
• 2016 5 Boro Bike Tour Helmet Cover. $3 [1 available]
• Sunlite Bicycle Protective Cover. Was $ 20, Now $17 [1 available. Damaged Packaging]
• Cycloc Solo Wall Mounted Bike Storage(Black). Was $100, Now $50 [1 available. Old Stock]
• William + Bonnie (Made in Hamtown!) Buster Wool Cap. Was $32, Now $25 [1 available. A few white paint splashes.]
TIRES & TUBES
• Michelin Lithion.2 700 x 25 Folding Tires - Was $45, Now $25. Buy two and get an additional 5 bucks off your total; 2 for $45. [4 available. Old Stock]
• Continental Cross Ride 700 x 42 Folding Tire. Was $30, now $15 [1 available. Old Stock]
• Vittoria Cross XG Pro 700 x 32 Folding Tire. Was $45, now $25 [1 available. Old Stock]
• Michelin 26 x 1.1 - 1.5 40mm Presta Tube. Was $7, now $5 [1 available. Damaged Packaging]
• Pyramid 26 x 1.0 (559-25) 32 mm Presta Tube. Was $6, Now $5 [1 available. Old Stock]
SHOP THE BARGAIN BIN & SAVE!
Winter Gear Guide
A famous saying we like to parrot goes something like, "There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing." It's probably Scandinavian in origin.
To that end goal, we've stocked some killer-diller winter gear that can make your cold-weather rides a heck of a lot more enjoyable. And we encourage dog walkers, hikers, XC skiers, etc. to check out our goodies as well! What's warm is warm, right?
Pictured:
- PEARL iZUMi Gloves - $40
Planet Bike Blitzen Wind Proof Shoe Covers - $44.99
DeFeet International Wool Socks - $16.99 / Woolie Boolie Knee Hi Socks - $29.99 (MADE IN THE US)
The Weatherneck - $39.95 (MADE IN THE US)
Kenda Tires Studded Tires - $52.99-$75
2015 59cm KONA Bikes Jake - Was $1099, then $937; add an extra 15% off, NOW $796.45
Giro Bike Helmet - $45-$159
Axiom Panniers - $36.99-$120
Bar Mitts Road/Mtn./Commuter - $74.95
Chrome Industries Tool Roll - $25 (MADE IN THE US)
CatEye Bicycle Electronics Velo8 Cycling Computer - $29.99
Topeak Road Morph Pump - $42.95
Polar Bottle - $9.99-$11.99
Planet Bike Fenders - $39.99
Walz Caps with Wool Ear Liner - $44.99 (MADE IN THE US)
Kroops Goggles $29.99 (MADE IN THE US)
Wheelhouse Hoodie - $40 (MADE IN THE US)
Plus, the FANTASTIC Turtlegloves! Michigan-made, these versatile fingerless flip gloves come in midweight ($28.99) and heavyweight ($39.99). Rumor has it Tati has figured out over a dozen ways to wear them. Practical for almost any winter outdoor activity.
Thanks to our photographer Tatiana and our model Tony!
January at the Wheelhouse
Granted, this extra-blustery weather might have you leaning more "under-blanket cuddles" than "suit up and pedal on" but, as we all know, warmer (not warm, but warmer) weather is sure to be on its way. (Right? Right!)
Regardless of the temps, we have a lot going on this month (Oh - by the way - Happy 2018!) so pull your calendar out and read on!
JANUARY 5 / 5-8pm / FIRST FRIDAY HAPPY HOUR: Our winter happy hours have been extra-fun and have raised some decent fundage for great local charities. This month, our roster is extra hot:
- Weird sonic fun from Clyde Moop. Check him out on Soundcloud and Bandcamp.
- Snacks from our neighbors at Amicci's Pizza.
- Beers from our buds at Axle Brewing Co. and a crafty custom cocktail from Our/Detroit Vodka.
- 10% off all sales will benefit Recycled Treasures, one of our Hamtramck neighbors who is currently raising funds towards a new, larger home. This organization operates a household resale shop that benefits the most vulnerable in our community. November's Happy Hour raised $108 towards Support the Girls - Detroit; December's raised $73 for No Good Girls Allowed Detroit!
All of our holiday sales are being held over, so eat, drink, shop and be merry!
- Bike the Blizzard / Jan 14 / Midnight to Midnight: BtB aims to raise $20,000 in support of Back Alley Bikes. We aim to help! The shop will be open as a warming station from noon to 6pm. We'll have chili (venison and veggie), hot cocoa, tea and coffee, so we encourage all riders to stop by for a few. We'll also be riding! To support us supporting BAB, donate HERE.
- MLK Ride / Jan 15 / 10am: This ride celebrates the legacy of Dr. King and the spirit of his "I Have A Dream" speech first delivered right here in Detroit in 1963. It's a 10 mile free ride, but registration is required. You can do so HERE.
We'll be riding as sweepers to assist any riders in need of assistance. If you're interested in joining the support crew, hit us up at info@wheelhousedetroit.com.
- Winter Joy Ride / Jan 20 / 9am: Meet up at Wheelhouse Detroit - Hamtramck for a 9am ride start. We'll go anywhere from 12 to 20 miles depending on weather and conditions. The shop opens at 11am, so there's a hard end-time that you can count on. This is a no-drop ride, helmet and spare tube recommended.
WINTER TIME = TINKER TIME - There is no better time than the colder months to work on your bike. That's why we've been offering a Thursday series all winter long! January has 4 Thursdays, so we've got 4 sessions for ya!
- Bicycle Maintenance 101 / Jan 4 & 18 / 6-8pm: At these woman-led classes, you'll first learn how to change a flat, about tire and tube sizes and air pressure. We're more than happy to adjust to your needs however, so, if you want to learn about gears or brakes or road safety or layering or anything whatsoever, that's what we're here for! We recommend you bring your bike so that you can familiarize yourself with it but, we've got plenty of bikes you can borrow if needed.
- Open Shop Hours / Jan 11 & 25 / 6-8pm: Bring in that project bike. We'll share our stands and tools and some knowledge but you get to do all the work yourself!
2017 Wheelhouse Holiday Gift Guide
We've put together a little gift guide for the cyclist on your shopping list. We 100% guarantee we've got something that is unique, well-made and affordable. Open 5 days a week for your shopping convenience!
Scroll through our gallery of ideas themed by the type of cyclist we think they're suited for. You can click on each and any one for more details and pricing!
Holiday Gift Guide: Kiddo
One of the best things about riding a bike as an adult is that it reminds you what it's like being a kid. So bike-related gifts are a no-brainer for the kids in your life!
Dimension and Sunlite Streamers - Add some swingin’, swayin’ sparkly flair to your kids’ bike. Remember how much we used to (okay, we still do) love ‘em? Some things never change. $5.99-$6.99
Giro Helmet - Protect those growing noggins and help your kids look cool while doing it. Pictured is the Giro Scamp. Also available: Infant and youth helmets in all sizes by Bell and Triple 8; everything from birds to robots! $30-$4
Tire Sparx & Stem Sparx - Simple way to add visibility and fun to any bike. Lights attach directly to valve stem and light up with motion. Tire Sparx available in green, blue, red, red/white/blue. Stem Sparx create 6 different light patterns. $9.99-$18.59
Sunlite Squeeze Horns - Awesome way to let someone know that you’re behind them on the Riverwalk; Available in Aliens(pictured), Sharks, Lions, Parrots, Cows, Tigers, Turtles, Whales, Gators, and even the almighty T-Rex! $9.99
Trick Topz Valve Caps - Another great way to give any bicycle personality. Available in Skulls, Soccer Balls, Grenades, Dice, and more! Makes great stocking stuffers. $7
Peterboro Basket Co. - These tiny baskets are designed and perfect for kids bikes. This New Hampshire company has been crafting the world’s finest handmade baskets since 1854. You’re definitely getting what you pay for. $3
Dimension Bells - A unique staple to any bike lovers stocking; these bells all have their own individual tone and come in an array of exciting items. Soccer Balls, Baseballs, Hot Peppers, Hamburgers, Compasses, and Tea Pots, just to name a few. $6.99-9.99
See ‘Em Mini LED Spoke Lights - Simple snap on and go design, easily replaceable batteries included, and waterproof. 4 included in one package $1
Bluetooth Sonkia Bicycle Speaker - A cool techy gift that won’t break the bank and mounts to any size handlebars. Allows user to connect speaker directly to an mp3 player or phone. Also reads sim cards if ya have an old one lying around from your ancient phone and you want your kids to listen to audiobooks or your favorite 90s albums. $35.99
Oury Grips - Used by Pros and amateurs alike. Available in a rainbow of colors to fit BMX or any flat/riser handlebars. Made in the USA! $12.99-$14.99
Training Wheels - Have a sweet hand-me-down ride for your kiddo? Outfit it with a set of training wheels to give them that extra boost of confidence when first starting out. Available in 12”-20”. $15-$30
Kryptonite Cable Combo Lock - A great way to introduce theft protection. 4 digit re-settable combination is perfect for locking up outside of the school or a quick run into the store for candy. $27.45
Black Ops Dual Core & Knurled Pro Axle Pegs - Let’s be real, we all want pegs on our bikes to haul our friends around. If you didn’t have them on your 20” bike, you wanted them so, give the kids what they want. $12-$24
Clean Motion Bike Vase - Awesome accessory for any bike. Flower included or you can use your own fresh cut! $9.99
Gift Guide: Everything Else Including Bikes!
We had a Dickens of a time narrowing down the hundreds of awesome products into our gift guide. Lots of stuff didn't make the cut, but will likely make some gift recipient out there somewhere very, very smiley. And as you probably know, a bicycle under the tree is a time-honored tradtion, and we've made it even more affordable for this to happen for ya.
All of our 2017 in-stock models and Used Bikes are currently 15%+ off through the Holiday. We carry Kona, Haro, Del Sol, Brooklyn Bicycle Co., and Opus. All Detroit Bikes in stock will be $500 with the exception of the C-Type Single Speed being only $450 (that’s anywhere from $150-$250 in savings! Come in today so we can help find the perfect bike for your loved one (in-seam measurement recommended for best fit) or for you!
We also carry an array of items and accessories not pictured in this guide including, trailers from Burley; Baby seats from Ibert and Topeak; Cycling apparel from Hamtramck local designer, William + Bonnie; Fenders from SKS; Saddles from Dimension, Selle Royal, WTB, Origin8, and Terry; Warm and toasty winter riding gear from Weatherneck, Bar Mitts, Pearl Izumi, Craft, Defeet, Walz Caps, and Michigan Made Turtle Gloves; Cycling inspired books from Microism Publishing; If we don’t have what you’re looking for, we can have it special ordered and in your hands before Christmas!
Gift Guide: The Impossible
Got an obsessive cyclist on your list that researches everything so thoroughly that you know you can't possibly choose the right thing? We got you.
Wheelhouse gift cards can be purchased in any denomination and used on anything and everything we have to offer. Need some service on your bike? Done. Bored on a Sunday morning? Join a tour, meet new friends, and learn a few things while you’re at! Want to ride your date on a tandem to Belle Isle? We got you. Need to purchase a new cassette or lights? We have options. We’ll hook you up with a free sticker and pin with every gift card purchase to make it even more personalized.
If you prefer to buy a gift certificate exclusively for rentals and tours, we have tour and rental gift certificates available through our website HERE. By using our online gift certificate form, you can designate the giftee's email address and even choose a custom delivery date. A unique code is sent that can be input into our reservation system for any tour or rental at the giftee’s convenience, rather than having to contact the shop to reserve with a traditional gift card.