Bikes of all shapes and sizes inundated downtown Cumberland during last summer’s inaugural event. Joining the aforementioned tank and pumpkin were cycles decked out in musical instruments, streamers, balloons, racing plates, and baskets. A penny-farthing (or old-timey, big-wheeled bike) rode alongside miniature models still sporting training wheels, and even a few tricycles. Many of the decorations were supplied by the Allegany Arts Council’s “Arts Bus.”
“The Crowe children were the first to register for the parade: At nine on the dot, they came up to the tent,” recalls Dandy official Meg Romero.
“You work really hard on these projects, then you lie in bed the night before, wondering if anyone will show up. I will never forget how thrilled I was to see these two excited children and their outrageous bikes.”
Beginning at Canal Place, the crazy-bikes procession traveled down Canal and Baltimore streets to the Historic Downtown Mall, hitting North Centre, Frederick, and North Liberty streets on its way back to the starting point.
The mall, particularly Baltimore Street, was adorned with state flags and banners for the parade. Onlookers watched the proceedings from lawn chairs or one of the numerous outdoor eateries dotting the area. Set up on a temporary stage, bands provided a nostalgic yet up-tempo soundtrack for the occasion.
The festivities continued back at Canal Place with games, vendors, and music. Welcoming parties received riders and guests, many of whom spent the day enjoying the eclectic vehicles and pleasant July weather.
“We had a great turnout for the first year, and we learned some valuable lessons for future events,” says Dandy official Steve Colby.
Like many municipalities, Cumberland is in the midst of a cultural and civic renaissance. The Dandy illustrated the fruits of the city’s work toward renewal.
“What I loved best about our Dandy Bicycle Parade was the cross-section of people and generations,” Romero says. “Our event was attended by grandmothers and grandchildren and people from every conceivable area of the community. We had all kinds of folks call us to volunteer for a job on Dandy Day. I loved introducing people to each other.”
For centuries, Cumberland has been a crossroads of transportation. The city was the western terminus of the C&O Canal, as well as a major railway junction. Today, Amtrak still keeps a station on Queen City Drive and East Harrison Street, while Interstate 68 runs through the heart of town.
Now, Cumberland is trying to fashion itself as a primary stopover for cyclists.
“There is a tremendous level of excitement about Cumberland's central role to the bike trail,” Romero says. “The Dandy came about as another event in our community-wide effort to make Cumberland a destination city for bicycle tourism.”
The trail she speaks of is actually a collection of several regional trails, including the C&O Towpath. Stretching from Washington, DC, to Pittsburgh, the 318-mile corridor is a Shangri-La for bikers, hikers, and other outdoor enthusiasts. The 150-mile stretch from Cumberland to the Steel City is known as the Great Allegheny Passage. It was adjoined to the canal in 2006.
A group of local business owners and residents approached Cumberland officials in February 2008 and proposed a bike parade. (In 2007, Allegany County commissioners had rejected a similar proposal.) City leaders gave their blessing, and a new yearly institution was born. A civic group known as the “Council of Fools” played—and continues to play—a pivotal role in the parade’s staging.
“We were trying to come up with our own variation on the kinetic-sculpture parade theme,” says Colby. “Eventually, we hope the parade will morph into a mix of bicycle-based kinetic sculptures, antique bicycles, and decorated bicycles. We also hope to initiate a bicycle-theme flea market.”
Who knows what revelry this year’s event will bring? Plans are still being formulated for the sophomore installment of the Dandy.
Keep checking for details on this year's Dandy Bicycle Parade. For more info, call 301-777-TRAIL.
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