Motor City 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!

Saturday, September 25, 2021. Registration begins at 9:00am. Rain or Shine.

Gears & Beers will start and finish at the Belle Isle Boat House, located at E Picnic Way, Detroit, MI 48207.
Note: It is displayed as “Detroit Boat Club Training Facility” on Google maps

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 is part of the Boat House Beer Fest at the Belle Isle Boat House. The event supports the restoration and preservation of this historic building.
Learn more HERE.

Parking is available at the Boat House, just follow the Gears & Beers signs and the prompts given by parking attendants.

The Recreation Passport ($11 for Michigan vehicles, $5 for Michigan motorcycles, nonresidents pay $31 for an annual pass or $9 for a day pass. ) is required for vehicle entry to all 102 Michigan state parks, including Belle Isle.

Michigan residents can purchase the Recreation Passport by checking “YES” when renewing license plates at a Secretary of State branch office, self service station or online.

If you didn’t check “YES,” or are visiting in a nonresident vehicle, a window sticker can be purchased at the toll booth upon entry. If the toll booth is not staffed, follow signs and proceed to the designated parking area.

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.

Click here for a list of Detroit shops that offer bike rentals.

There are a few ways to register for Gears & Beers:

ONLINE: To register online simply visit our Registration Page

BY PHONE: Call our friendly event staff at 248.543.1000

IN PERSON: Set an appointment to visit us at our office and you can purchase a ticket there! Call to schedule 248.543.1000. Walk-in purchasers can pay by credit/debit, cash, or check.

DAY OF EVENT:  Gears & Beers tickets will be for sale at the event for $65. Customers who choose to register the day of can pay by credit/debit or cash.

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.

Because Gears & Beers is a 21+ event, guests are unable to pick up another persons packet.

Yes, tickets for multiple people can be purchased by an individual. If you purchased tickets for multiple people you can either check-in together on event day, or individual tickets can be emailed or printed out and given to each person.

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.  The samples are NOT part of your ticket to Gears & Beers.  Most bars will be sampling brews of their choice. There will be a greeter at each stop to answer questions and fill you in on details.

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 n0on.

Guided tours leave at 10am, 10:30am, 11am & 11:30am.

The Motor City Gears & Beers Afterparty kick offs at 4pm and goes until 8pm.

Note: Unless you are a very fast rider, we do not recommend starting the ride after noon.

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 60’s. PERFECT for biking! We recommend wearing layers  so you can adjust to temperature and weather changes throughout the day.

Note: Motor City Gears & Beers takes place RAIN OR SHINE. It is advisable to check the weather the day of the event.

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

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.

Bike Helmets are MANDATORY for all riders.

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.