Detroit on Two Wheels: Wheelhouse

Not every form of transportation in the Motor City requires an engine. Wheelhouse Detroit, a bicycle shop in downtown Detroit, that offers rentals, retail, and service. They also offer tours that help make little-known tourist gems more accessible in a city that is spread across many miles.

The monthly 15-mile Architecture Tour shows off the Albert Kahn, Louis Kamper and Frank Lloyd Wright buildings scattered around the city center while the Techno 313 Tour, planned for Memorial Day Weekend, is suited for Detroit music fans. In fall, the annual fund-raising ride l Tour de Troit will promote cycling and benefit local charities. 2000 riders participated last year.

Detroiters Kelli Kavanaugh and Karen Gage opened Wheelhouse two years ago and they emphasize the ecological practices of their business, including the t-shirts and sustainable water bottles they sell. "Our store is an opportunity to get to talk to people about road safety and spread the word that cars need to share the road with riders," said Gage, who also works as an urban planner in the city.

Wheelhouse sells Kona and Sun bikes, and Gage said they are looking to expand into other lines. She recommends riding through downtown Detroit streets. "I love riding downtown. It can be a Sunday and when I am pretty much the only one there, or at a 5 o'clock rush hour, Congress and Griswold is so much fun to ride through."