May is National Bike Month & National Historic Preservation Month!
Celebrating Nationwide
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Celebrate Locally! |
Bike Month & Preservation Month are a perfect pair! Our historic neighborhoods and business districts are easily accessed and enjoyed on two wheels, and generally our weather in May is perfect for exploring the City! While we hope you celebrate year-round, May is a great time to be more intentional about it, and to take advantage of the additional resources offered as part of local celebrations.
This May, take part in a number of activities and events sponsored by the City and community partners - check out the events below, and download and share our printable calendars! |
Activities & Events
Click the image above to view a printable Historic Preservation Month Calendar of Events
Click the image above to view a printable Bike Month Calendar of Events
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Video Series: Economics + Preservation (throughout May)
Throughout the month of May, City preservation staff will be releasing videos to highlight the findings of the recently released preservation economic impact study- Catalyst for Columbia: The Impacts of Historic Preservation in Columbia, South Carolina. Check our Preservation Playlist for our newest videos or join our mailing list for delivery of videos and other preservation news and events straight to your inbox! Take a Preservation Bike Ride (throughout May) Take a self-guided tour (or two) and travel through Hidden Columbia and 1960s Columbia by using pre-recorded videos on the City of Columbia's YouTube Preservation Playlist: bit.ly/PreservationPlaylist National Bike Challenge (throughout May) Log your miles as an individual or as part of a group: lovetoride.net/usa Cola Women/Trans/Femme/Non-binary Cyclists Ride I Wednesday, May 1, 6:30 PM Meet at 6:30PM for a 10-12 mile, no-drop monthly social ride for femme/trans/women/nonbinary riders. The ride stops at Rita's Italian Ice near the end! Meet at Cola Town Bike Collective (711 Elmwood Ave) and follow cola_wtfnb_cyclists on Instagram for details. Preservation Impact Radio Interview I Thursday, May 2, 7:50 AM Tune in to SC Business Review on SC Public Radio to listen to Mike Switzer chat with Donovan Rypkema from Place Economics about the recently completed report on the economic impact of preservation in Columbia. Not able to tune in on the day? SC Business Review recordings are available online here: https://www.southcarolinapublicradio.org/podcast/south-carolina-business-review Randolph Cemetery Workshop I Saturday, May 4, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Randolph Cemetery, 301 Elmwood Join members of the Committee for the Beautification and Restoration of Randolph Cemetery for an in depth workshop on proper cemetery maintenance. The workshop will include a tour of Randolph Cemetery and hands on demonstrations on proper lawn and stone maintenance and repair. Randolph Cemetery is a Reconstruction Era cemetery historically established by and for African Americans. The historic cemetery is located just west of Elmwood Cemetery, at the dead end of Elmwood Avenue with parking available along the street. The workshop is free but we ask that you bring a gallon of water for the hands-on stone cleaning demonstration. Participation is limited to 15 participants, so register now! Street Meat Alley Cat Race I Saturday, May 4, 4:00 PM Start and finish at Cola Town Bike Collective (711 Elmwood Ave.), race ending with live music and food. $10 gets you into the race and the show. National Ride a Bike Day I Sunday, May 5, All Day Long Take a pic for social media and use #bikeday and #wearecolumbia Tour de Taco Rides I Sunday, May 5, 11:00 AM or 11:30 AM Meet at Cycle Center at 11 AM for the regular Sunday A ride (22.5 miles) or meet at Steel Hands Brewery at 11:30 AM for the B ride (12.5 miles), with tacos and beer after the B ride and mid-A ride, with the A ride returning to Cycle Center. Art in the Yard & Historic Melrose Tours I Sunday, May 5, 1:00 - 5:00 PM, Melrose Heights, 1429 Hagood Come to Melrose Art in the Yard to explore local arts in a beautiful historic setting. While you're there, be sure to drop by the preservation table at 1429 Hagood to learn about current preservation initiatives and projects. Talk to a preservation planner or a volunteer with the Coalition of Columbia's Historic Districts to learn about the Paws for Preservation fundraising calendar - and learn how your pet can be featured in the 2025 calendar! Planning on attending Historic Melrose's Art in the Yard? Stay a little longer and join City preservation staff in an architecture and history tour of the neighborhood. Topics will include social and architectural history of the neighborhood as well as preservation policies and success stories. There will be two, one-hour tours during Art in the Yard but each is limited to 10 people, so register now! Beginner Mountain Bike Clinic + Ride I Sunday, May 5, 2:00 - 4:00 PM Join Outspokin', Midlands SORBA, and the Columbia Composite NICA and build your off-road skills. This ages 10+ clinic is free, but there is a $5 parking fee, and space is limited. Email [email protected] to register. Bowl for a Cause I Monday, May 6, 7:00 - 9:00 PM, Royal Z Lanes, 8512 Two Notch Road Gear up for the Ride to End ALZ and join in the fun at Royal Z Lanes, 8512 Two Notch Road. $25 per person for 2 hours; proceeds benefit the Alzheimer's Association. City Council Proclamations + Mabel Payne Award I Tuesday, May 7, 4:00 PM, Busby Street Community Center - 1735 Busby Street Join Columbia City Council as they officially declare May as Bike Month and Historic Preservation Month! The proclamation will be followed by announcement of celebratory activities and the presentation of this year’s Mabel Payne Award. National Bike & Roll to School Day I Wednesday, May 8, Timing Varies Join a local event or sign up to organize one at your school - find out more at walkbiketoschool.org. Lunch & Learn: Preservation Economic Impact Study I Wednesday, May 8, 12:00 - 1:00 PM, Pastor’s Study, 1633 Main St, Ste 100 Bring your lunch and join City of Columbia and Historic Columbia staff as they present the key takeaways of the recently released preservation economic impact study- Catalyst for Columbia: The Impacts of Historic Preservation in Columbia, South Carolina. Completed by Place Economics, the study helps quantify the economic impact of preservation efforts in Columbia. The event is free and open to the public but registration is recommended. Street parking may be available along Main and Taylor Street. Nearby parking garages are the Taylor Street Garage at the corner of Taylor and Assembly and Cannon Garage at Taylor and Sumter. Bike to Work Week I Monday, May 13 - Sunday, May 19, Daily Commute Commit to commuting, and invite a neighbor or colleague to join you! Outspokin' Bike Maintenance Clinic I Tuesday, May 14, 6:15 - 7:30 PM, 3223 Devine Street Meet at Outspokin' Bicycles and build your bike knowledge! Free, but RSVP in advance; space is limited - email [email protected]. Energy Efficiency Workshop I Wednesday, May 15, 12:00 - 1:00 PM, Pastor’s Study, 1633 Main St, Ste 100 Join CCHD and preservation staff in an informative session on how to make your historic home more energy efficient. Experts will share tips and tricks for energy savings in cost effective and historically sympathetic ways. Registration required: bit.ly/EnergyWorkshop2024 Midlands Ride of Silence I Wednesday, May 15, 6:45 PM, 1800 12th Street, Cayce This year's ride will leave from the Cayce Town Hall. Sign in will begin at 6:45. The route is approximately 7 miles. There is no fee, but donations to defray the cost of the police escort would be appreciated. Organizers are asking participants to wear black. See the Midlands Ride of Silence Facebook page for details. Palmetto Trail Talk with Brian Curran of Outspokin' Bicycles I Thursday, May 16, 5:30 - 7:00 PM, Palmetto Conservation Foundation, 722 King Street Meet at PCF and learn more about mountain and gravel biking on the Palmetto Trail. Free, but RSVP in advance; space is limited - bit.ly/TrailTalkMay2024. Bike to Work Day I Friday, May 17, 8:30 AM (or earlier) Ride with a group or on your own to arrive at the State House at 8:30 AM, take a group picture, and ride down Main Street to City Hall. Group rides start from:
Friends of Harbison Trail Work Day I Saturday, May 18, 9:00 AM Meet at the Harbison Ed Center to volunteer with Friends of Harbison State Forest; bring work gloves, water, and snacks and wear appropriate clothing. Details on the Friends of Harbison Facebook page. Children’s Craft: Travel Journals + The Green Book I Saturday, May 18, 3:00 - 4:00 PM, Richland Library Main, Garden Level Come play and learn as you decorate your very own travel journal based on the historic Green Book. Craft will be preceded by a reading of the children’s book, Ruth and the Green Book. Free and open to the public. Recommended for children ages 5+. Preservation Bike Ride: Green Book + African American Resources I Sunday, May 19, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Hop on your bike and join City preservation staff on a bike tour through time as we discuss the importance of Columbia’s historic African American resources. The tour will include a look at the Green Book sites that were safe havens for travelling African Americans during the Jim Crow era. Registration, your own bike, and helmet required. Limited to 15 participants, so register now! Race to the River I Sunday, May 19, 10:00 AM Mountain bike race at Harbison State Forest; see usmtbseries.com/events/racetotheriver for details + to register. Outspokin' Beginner Gravel Bike Ride I Sunday, May 19, 2:00 PM Join Outspokin' Bicycles for a beginner gravel bike ride, 20-30 miles, no drop. Location to be determined; pre-registration required. Call the store at (803) 254-9797 or swing by for registration and details. Brick Repointing Workshop I Tuesday, May 21, 5:30 - 6:30 PM, 2204 Marion Street Learn the art of repairing and restoring old brickwork with our expert instructor at this hands-on workshop. This workshop is perfect for anyone looking to learn proper masonry skills and techniques. Registration required: bit.ly/BrickWorkshop Happy Hour Meet + Greet I Wednesday, May 22, 4:00- 6:30 PM, The Graduate Hotel, 1619 Pendleton Do you have questions about your historic building? In partnership with the Coalition of Columbia’s Historic Districts, join City preservation staff and other preservation professionals for a happy hour drop in at The Graduate Hotel. Preservation contractors and experts will be available throughout the event to answer all your preservation questions. Or just drop in to meet fellow historic district residents and say hello! Free and open to the public. Drinks available for purchase at the Trophy Room. |
Join a Group Ride!
Group rides are a great way to build community and get to know other bicyclists. The rides below are organized by community groups and/or bike shops - please check with the organizer listed for any questions or in case of inclement weather.
ONE-TIME RIDES:
Saturday, May 4, 4:00 PM - Street Meat Alley Cat Race
Start and finish at Cola Town Bike Collective (711 Elmwood Ave.), race ending with live music and food. $10 gets you into the race and the show.
Sunday, May 5, 11:00 or 11:30 a.m. (depending on start location) - Tour de Taco Rides
Meet at Cycle Center at 11 AM for the regular Sunday A ride (22.5 miles) or meet at Steel Hands Brewery @11:30 AM for the B ride (12.5 miles), with tacos and beer after the B ride and mid-A ride, with the A ride returning to Cycle Center.
Sunday, May 5, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM - Beginner Mountain Bike Clinic + Ride
Join Outspokin’, Midlands SORBA, and the Columbia Composite NICA and build your off-road skills. This ages 10+ clinic is free, but there is a $5 parking fee, and space is limited. Email [email protected] to register.
Wednesday, May 8, Timing Varies - National Bike & Roll to School Day
Join a local event or sign up to organize one at your school - find out more at walkbiketoschool.org.
Friday, May 17th, 8:30 a.m. - Bike to Work Day
Meet other bike commuters at the State House (Gervais Street side) to pose for a picture and ride down Main Street to City Hall (1737 Main Street). Group rides from several points in the City to the State House will also be held - see above for details.
Preservation Bike Tour: Sunday, May 19, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Hop on your bike and join City preservation staff on a bike tour through time as we discuss the importance of Columbia’s historic African American resources. The tour will include a look at extant Green Book sites in downtown Columbia. Registration and helmet required. Limited to 15 participants, so register now!
Sunday, May 19th, 10:00 a.m. - Race to the River
Take part in this annual mountain bike race at Harbison State Forest. Learn more & register at https://usmtbseries.com/events/racetotheriver.
Sunday, May 19th, 2:00 PM - Outspokin' Beginner Gravel Bike Ride
Join Outspokin' for a beginner gravel bike ride, 20-30miles, no drop. Location to be determined; pre-registration required. Call the store at (803) 254-9797 or swing by for registration and details.
MONTHLY + WEEKLY RECURRING RIDES:
While many of the below rides occur regularly year-round, please be sure to check in with the organizers prior to making plans to attend - time changes, weather, and just life in general can result in modifications!
Sundays at 11:00 a.m.
Cycle Center Group Ride
Meet at Cycle Center (1001 Harden) for a 22 mile road ride with loops into Cayce and West Columbia.
Sundays at 3:30 p.m.
Midlands SORBA Weekly Trail Rides at Harbison State Forest
Join Midlands SORBA for casual no drop rides through Harbison State Forest. There are regular stops during the rides to regroup, and an experienced rider will sweep the rear to ensure no one gets lost. Bring water, your helmet, and a mountain bike. Join friends afterwards for a meal or pint at a local restaurant. Check their Facebook page for weather-related announcements, and make sure to sign the e-waiver first.
Mondays at 6:00 p.m.
Rosewood Monday Night Bike Ride
Meet at Rosewood Park for a five-mile family-friendly casual ride around the neighborhood.
Tuesdays 6:15 p.m.
Tri-City Cyclers Urban Assault Ride
A no-drop, more social ride that covers a variety of terrain, generally 18-22 miles. Meet in the parking lot behind the Cayce Farm Bureau office (724 Knox Abbot). Helmets required, front and rear lights strongly recommended. See their Facebook page for more details.
Tuesdays at 6:45 p.m.
Street Meat Tuesday Rides
Meet at Cola Town Bike Collective (711 Elmwood) at 6:45 p.m. to ride at 7:00 p.m. on an all genders, all bikes, no drop 8-15 mile city ride. Lights and helmets required. Follow Street Meat Cola on Instagram for details.
Tuesdays & Thursdays at 6:15p.m.
Tri-City Cyclers Road Rides
All levels and abilities; no drop options. A group (>22mph); B group (18-20mph) breaks into smaller groups; C group (14-16mph) is a social no-drop. Meet at B Avenue Sports Complex (815 B Ave, West Columbia). Helmets required, front and rear lights strongly recommended. See their Facebook page for weather + start time changes.
(Usually) the 1st Wednesday of the Month
Cola Women/Trans/Femme/Non-binary Cyclists Ride
Meet at 6:30 PM and ride at 6:45 PM for a 10-12 mile, no-drop monthly social ride for femme/trans/women/nonbinary riders. The ride stops at Rita’s Italian Ice near the end! Meet at Cola Town Bike Collective (711 Elmwood Ave.). Follow cola_wtfnb_cyclists on Instagram for updates.
Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.
Summit Cycles Road Ride
Meet at Summit Cycles (10171 Two Notch Road) for A (28 miles), B (25 miles), and C (20ish miles, no drop) rides.
Thursdays at 6:15 p.m.
Outspokin' Irmo Ride
C pace group ride, 20ish miles, departs from Irmo Outspokin’ Bicycles, 7601 St. Andrews Rd. This ride is a no-drop, but riders should be able to maintain a 16-18 mph pace. Helmets required, front and rear lights strongly recommended. See their Facebook page for more details.
Thursdays at 6:15 p.m.
Midlands SORBA Weekly Trail Rides at Harbison State Forest
Join Midlands SORBA for casual no drop rides through Harbison State Forest. There are regular stops during the rides to regroup, and an experienced rider will sweep the rear to ensure no one gets lost. Bring water, your helmet, and a mountain bike. Join friends afterwards for a meal or pint at a local restaurant. Check their Facebook page for weather-related announcements, and make sure to sign the e-waiver first.
Thursdays at 7:00 p.m.
Outspokin' Thirsty Thursday Ride
Meet at the Columbia Outspokin' Bicycles (3223 Devine) for a 12-15 mile city/neighborhood no drop ride. Helmets and lights are required.
Fridays at 6:30 p.m.
Cycle Center Beer Ride
Meet at Cycle Center (1001 Harden) for a social 18-ish mile road ride through Columbia and Forest Acres.
While many of the below rides occur regularly year-round, please be sure to check in with the organizers prior to making plans to attend - time changes, weather, and just life in general can result in modifications!
Sundays at 11:00 a.m.
Cycle Center Group Ride
Meet at Cycle Center (1001 Harden) for a 22 mile road ride with loops into Cayce and West Columbia.
Sundays at 3:30 p.m.
Midlands SORBA Weekly Trail Rides at Harbison State Forest
Join Midlands SORBA for casual no drop rides through Harbison State Forest. There are regular stops during the rides to regroup, and an experienced rider will sweep the rear to ensure no one gets lost. Bring water, your helmet, and a mountain bike. Join friends afterwards for a meal or pint at a local restaurant. Check their Facebook page for weather-related announcements, and make sure to sign the e-waiver first.
Mondays at 6:00 p.m.
Rosewood Monday Night Bike Ride
Meet at Rosewood Park for a five-mile family-friendly casual ride around the neighborhood.
Tuesdays 6:15 p.m.
Tri-City Cyclers Urban Assault Ride
A no-drop, more social ride that covers a variety of terrain, generally 18-22 miles. Meet in the parking lot behind the Cayce Farm Bureau office (724 Knox Abbot). Helmets required, front and rear lights strongly recommended. See their Facebook page for more details.
Tuesdays at 6:45 p.m.
Street Meat Tuesday Rides
Meet at Cola Town Bike Collective (711 Elmwood) at 6:45 p.m. to ride at 7:00 p.m. on an all genders, all bikes, no drop 8-15 mile city ride. Lights and helmets required. Follow Street Meat Cola on Instagram for details.
Tuesdays & Thursdays at 6:15p.m.
Tri-City Cyclers Road Rides
All levels and abilities; no drop options. A group (>22mph); B group (18-20mph) breaks into smaller groups; C group (14-16mph) is a social no-drop. Meet at B Avenue Sports Complex (815 B Ave, West Columbia). Helmets required, front and rear lights strongly recommended. See their Facebook page for weather + start time changes.
(Usually) the 1st Wednesday of the Month
Cola Women/Trans/Femme/Non-binary Cyclists Ride
Meet at 6:30 PM and ride at 6:45 PM for a 10-12 mile, no-drop monthly social ride for femme/trans/women/nonbinary riders. The ride stops at Rita’s Italian Ice near the end! Meet at Cola Town Bike Collective (711 Elmwood Ave.). Follow cola_wtfnb_cyclists on Instagram for updates.
Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.
Summit Cycles Road Ride
Meet at Summit Cycles (10171 Two Notch Road) for A (28 miles), B (25 miles), and C (20ish miles, no drop) rides.
Thursdays at 6:15 p.m.
Outspokin' Irmo Ride
C pace group ride, 20ish miles, departs from Irmo Outspokin’ Bicycles, 7601 St. Andrews Rd. This ride is a no-drop, but riders should be able to maintain a 16-18 mph pace. Helmets required, front and rear lights strongly recommended. See their Facebook page for more details.
Thursdays at 6:15 p.m.
Midlands SORBA Weekly Trail Rides at Harbison State Forest
Join Midlands SORBA for casual no drop rides through Harbison State Forest. There are regular stops during the rides to regroup, and an experienced rider will sweep the rear to ensure no one gets lost. Bring water, your helmet, and a mountain bike. Join friends afterwards for a meal or pint at a local restaurant. Check their Facebook page for weather-related announcements, and make sure to sign the e-waiver first.
Thursdays at 7:00 p.m.
Outspokin' Thirsty Thursday Ride
Meet at the Columbia Outspokin' Bicycles (3223 Devine) for a 12-15 mile city/neighborhood no drop ride. Helmets and lights are required.
Fridays at 6:30 p.m.
Cycle Center Beer Ride
Meet at Cycle Center (1001 Harden) for a social 18-ish mile road ride through Columbia and Forest Acres.
Resources |
These smart cycling videos and tips were developed for a nationwide audience, so a few notes regarding local and state regulations:
PRESERVATION MONTH READING & RESOURCE LIST
Our reading and resource list provides recommendations in the following categories:
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