2012-02-08 21:55:00 - The new 518-mile Detroit Alternate will guide touring cyclists through important communities and landmarks in the Underground Railroad’s history

Jim Sayer, executive director of Adventure Cycling Association, the largest membership cycling organization in North America with more than 43,500 members, will visit the Detroit-area for two days during a weeklong trip to Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. His visit is aimed at promoting the organization’s new cycling route, the Underground Railroad Detroit Alternate, as well as sharing news about the growing interest in bike travel and tourism.

from Oberlin, Ohio, to Owen Sound, Ontario. The original route — a 2,000-mile route between Mobile, Alabama, and Owen Sound — was developed under a partnership between Adventure Cycling and the Center for Minority Health at the University of Pittsburgh.

In Detroit, Sayer will be participating in two free public events for area

cyclists, as well as a media “meet and greet” at the Detroit Historical Museum. He also is available for interviews.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22
Regional Gathering
What: Free public event for interested cyclists and others, media welcome
Where: REI ( www.rei.com/stores/66), 766 E Big Beaver Rd, Troy, MI 48083. Phone: (248) 689-4402.
When: Wednesday, February 22, 7 - 9 PM
Interested cyclists and supporters can RSVP at info@adventurecycling.org or 800-755-2453 x211.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23
Media Meet & Greet
What: Meet and greet for local reporters to learn about the new Detroit Alternate route and how it connects with Detroit’s Underground Railroad history. Hosted by the Detroit Black Historic Sites Committee. (See RSVP info for media below.)
Where: Detroit Historical Museum ( detroithistorical.org) in the “Streets of Old Detroit” exhibit area, 5401 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI, 48202. Phone: (313) 833-1805.

When: Thursday, February 23, 1 PM
Regional Gathering
What: Free public event for interested cyclists and others, media welcome
Where: Traffic Jam and Snug ( www.trafficjamdetroit.com), 511 W Canfield St, Detroit, MI, 48201. Phone: (313) 831-9470.
When: Thursday, February 23, 5:30 - 7:30 PM
Interested cyclists and supporters can RSVP at info@adventurecycling.org or 800-755-2453 x211.