Gears & Beers is a point to point tour of Detroit’s historic neighborhoods, notorious watering holes, and popular up-and-coming destinations. You can choose between 10 mile, 15 mile, or 25 mile routes, either guided or self-guided. At the conclusion of the ride join us for an after party featuring live music, great food and drink!
Gears & Beers travels to all areas and neighborhoods of Detroit. The ride will start and finish at Riverside Marina located at 1000 Freud Detroit, MI.
Fun-loving urban adventurers and active lovers of our great city will be in attendance. We welcome everyone and anyone 21+ who is interested in exercise, has a thirst for delicious brews, or wants to learn more about Detroit.
Note: You must be 21 years of age or older to participate in Gears & Beers.
Yes! The Gears & Beers after party welcomes friends and family members to help celebrate your victory. Inquire with our production team and we can help get them a “guest” ticket to the event. Call or text our team at 248.543.1000.
Parking is available at the marina for $10. This fee covers gated parking with on-site security. Look for the signs to parking along the east side of the marina on Old St. Jean Street.
The main gate to the Marina is for boat owners and and members and closed to the public
We have three ride options: 10 miles, 15 miles and 25 miles. Choose between guided and self-guided tours.
10 miles (including stops at the bars = 3 to 4 hours)
15 miles (including stops at the bars = 4 to 5 hours)
25 miles (including stops at the bars = 5 to 6 hours)
*Times are subject to the pace at which you ride, the length of your visits to each bar, and if you decide to grab lunch while you are visiting one of the many establishments we will be visiting*
Anybody who is in average physical condition should have no trouble going the distance. The ride is relatively flat. We would recommend with any distance ride that you prepare yourself with adequate training.
Wheelhouse Detroit
Detroit Riverfront’s Cullen Plaza
1340 Atwater Street
Detroit, MI 48207
SE corner of Atwater & Rivard
https://www.wheelhousedetroit.com/rentals
In short, no. Riders will receive their packets and any purchased swag at the registration table when they check-in the day of the event.
Sorry, every rider will need to complete and sign the waiver to pick up your event credentials and ride.
Yes, tickets for multiple people can be purchased by an individual. If you purchased tickets for multiple people you will need to check in together or ensure their name is on the ticket you purchased for them. Each rider will need to complete a waiver before picking up your event credentials.
Registration packets include a Gears & Beers wristband and route map to visit some of Detroit’s most interesting neighborhoods, points of interest and notorious watering holes! Wristbands must be worn for the duration of the event to receive SAG support and entry to the after party. There is limited beer sampling along the way and offered at the discretion of the participating venues to promote their brews and specials for the day. Most bars will be sampling brews of their choice and offering drink and food specials along the way. There will be a greeter at each stop to answer questions and fill you in on details. You will also receive tickets to redeem at the after party for pizza & salad and a victory beer.
Note: Registration packets WILL NOT BE REPLACED IF LOST.
Gears & Beers does not offer refunds for cancellations, however registrants may transfer their ticket to another rider. To transfer your ticket to another rider simply email the ticket or print it out and give it to the person taking your place. If the rider taking your place wants to ride a different route than the one you signed up for please have them call our offices at 248.543.1000 to make the change.
Self-guided riders can start anytime between 10am and 11:30am
Guided tours leave at 10am, 10:30am, 11am
The Gears & Beers victory celebration after party runs from 4pm – 6:30pm.
Note: Unless you are a very fast rider, we do not recommend starting the ride after 11:30!
Yes. Restrooms will be open to riders at participating venues along the route.
Of course! The event is called “Gears & Beers” for a reason! 😉 Seriously… in addition to beer specials, participating venues will have complimentary water stations. We encourage all riders to carry a water bottle.
Yes. Feel free to purchase lunch at your favorite participating venue. Riders may also provide their own snacks. Additionally, there are stores along the route where you can pick up snacks and beverages – just don’t forget to bring cash!
The average temperatures this time of year are in the low-to-mid 70s… PERFECT for biking! We recommend wearing layers so you can adjust to temperature and weather changes throughout the day.
Note: Gears & Beers takes place RAIN OR SHINE. It is advisable to check the weather the day of the event and plan accordingly.
Mandatory Items
- Drivers License or Valid ID must be provided at registration. Participating bars will also ask to see your ID.
- Bike Helmets are MANDATORY for all riders.
Suggested Items
- Padded Bicycle Shorts/Pants
- Bike Lock
- Water Bottle
- Cell Phone & Charger
- Clothes For ALL Types of Weather
- Sunblock
- Backpack For Carrying Items
- Money
- Spare Bicycle Tube and/or Patch Kit
- Rain Gear (Just in Case!)
Yes! First and foremost, make sure you have ridden your bike and that it is in working condition. It is highly recommended that you check your tire pressure before the event. The number one complication riders encounter is a flat, which is often the result of under-inflated tires. Road debris can also pose a threat to tires, so having a spare tube and/or patch kit handy is a smart precaution. Mechanics will be available before the ride and along the route as roving SAG (service & gear).
A portion of proceeds will benefit Back Alley Bikes
We’re sorry, but Gears & Beers is for bicycle riders ONLY.
2018 Gears & Beers maps will be made available online as soon as possible. Click Here to see last year’s map.
A detailed route map will be included in your registration packet.
Yes. Gears & Beers shirts are available in women’s sizes. All event swag is available for purchase when you register online.
If you find that the shirt size you registered for does not fit you can exchange sizes AFTER the ride.
Note: Shirts must be UNWORN. Sizes available for exchange are limited and first-come, first-served.
Please register on the ‘Get Involved‘ page. A member of our team will contact you with further details.
Both monetary and in-kind options are available for interested sponsors. Please call our office at 248.543.1000 or email specialevents@thesocialconnection.com for more information about sponsorship opportunities.