The Tour de Bronx will kick off from 161 Street and Grand Concourse on Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023 at 11 a.m.
File photo/Bronx Times
The Tour de Bronx is back for its 29th annual ride.
The ride, New York state’s biggest free cycling event, is taking place this Sunday, Oct. 22, and is open to bikers of all levels, although registration is required. The annual tour hopes to promote bicycling and encourage exploration of the Bronx’s parks and historic neighborhoods.
This year’s iteration will consist of three routes, including a new 10-mile route and bring back the 40-mile route for more experienced bikers. Last year, only a 25-mile ride was available. The three rides will start at 161 Street and Grand Concourse and finish at the New York Botanical Garden, with a rest stop available for all riders at the Castle Hill YMCA.
Additional rest stops are available for 40-mile riders at the Woodlawn Cemetery, Roberto Clemente State Park and Orchard Beach. There is also a new rest stop only for 25-mile riders at Pelham Bay Park.
The entire route goes through the Mott Haven district, along the East River, and through Pelham Bay Park — the city’s largest park.
A new wrinkle this year includes a tribute to the 50th anniversary of hip-hop as the route is planned to travel passed 1520 Sedgwick. Ave., commonly referred to as the birthplace of hip-hop.
The event is organized by Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson in conjunction with the Bronx Tourism Council and Transportation Alternatives. At a kickoff event on Tuesday, Gibson noted that the event aims to showcase healthier modes of transportation, while also highlighting the borough.
“With an emphasis on encouraging alternative modes of transportation and fitness, Tour de Bronx has each year been successful in attracting both new and skilled cyclists to explore our parks, cultural institutions, greenways, and everything else that makes our borough a beautiful place to live,…
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