BARCC Hosts A Bicyclists Bonanza

Bicyclists near Washington Park during a past BARCC Bike Tour.  This year's tour will be held June 25 from 9am-1pm.  (Photo Courtesy of BARCC)
Bicyclists near Washington Park during a past BARCC Bike Tour. This year's tour will be held June 25 from 9am-1pm. (Photo Courtesy of BARCC)

by Thelma Sardin

Bicyclists need not to travel to the North side to seek out exciting biking activities. The Bronzeville Area Residents and Commerce Council (BARCC) will host its 9th annual Historic Bike Tour on Saturday, June 25th from 9am-1pm.

Participating bicyclists will meet at 51st Street and King Drive (Washington Park), where registration will be held from 7:30am 8:30am.

The six-mile tour is intended to educate individuals about Bronzevilles rich history.

Tour highlights include: Louis Armstrong and Nat King Coles residences, Metropolitan Church, Stephen A. Douglas Tomb, Quinn Chapel, the Wabash YMCA, Blues Heaven/Chess Records, Neleh Artistic Expressions, the Charles Hayes Family Investment Center and the Swift Mansion.

A party will be held at Washington Park once the tour concludes.

BARCC president, Jonese Burnett says the organization began hosting the bike tour as way to expose Bronzeville residents and other Chicagoans to the communitys deep history.

As a community based organization we wanted to galvanize residents in Bronzeville to get to know the importance of the history of this great neighborhood, in addition get to know their neighbors. We also wanted other Chicagoans to learn the rich history and significance Bronzeville had on the growth and development of Chicago, she said.

Burnett says that the tour has gained tremendous backing from community residents and business owners over the years.

A vast number of individuals have shown their support by volunteering, participating, promoting and sponsoring the event for the past 8 years.

The event will have several tour guides on hand who are also Bronzeville residents.

The tour will be supervised by Chicago Bike Marshals for safety purposes. Participants are required to wear helmets. The ride will include several rest stops with beverages, food and dismounts.

BARCC expects about 150 participants.

Tickets will be sold in advance at Aint She Sweet Caf - 526 E. 43rd Street, Bronzeville Coffee House - 528 E. 43rd Street or contact Jonese Burnett at 773.882.4011. Tickets are $20 for BARCC members, $25 before event and $30 the day of the event. Space will be limited, and BARCC strongly recommends buying tickets in advance.

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