Friends of Patterson Park Prepare for BikeJam 2008

This year's annual BikeJam Cycling Festival might still be a couple of months away, but the Friends of Patterson Park are already busy preparing for it. This year's event takes place all day Saturday, May 24, at the Park.

The festival has activities for casual riders, bike enthusiasts, and families alike. There's a recreational ride around Baltimore, a kid's pavilion (and opportunities for kids to earn free bike helmets!), food, beer, live music, and a health expo -- which presumably won't be too close to the Dangerously Delicious Pies tent which will of course feature its ever-popular pie-eating contest.

A stunt show will feature two-time National Champion Trials rider Mike Steidley, and there will be races throughout the day culminating in the Kelly Cup Pro Race, which will feature professional bike racers from the Tour de France and the Olympic Games. There will be a 20-lap Women's Open and 40-lap Men Pro 1/2 races too.

Some events have registration fees, so please consult the BikeJam website. The event raises money for the Mt. Washington Children’s Hospital.

"Last year they had about 5,000 riders and spectators come through the Park," announced the Friends. "This year, they’re hoping for it to be even better!"