Have bike, will learn? If that's true for you, then this Saturday's BikeAbout provides a perfect opportunity to cruise around Columbia learning about the past, present and future of the dream city.

The free annual event will take residents on a 13-mile self-guided tour through parts of Oakland Mills, Long Reach and Town Center.

"It's just a lovely ride through some of the beautiful areas in Columbia," said Barbara Hurewitz Kellner, director of the Columbia Archives and an organizer of the BikeAbout.

"Riders will see things they probably didn't know existed in Columbia," added Kellner.

The tour will take riders through the following locations, while providing information about them:

• Blandair Park - The new park is showcased and volunteers will talk about the future development of the site.
• Woodlawn Slave Quarters - The rarely open Columbia historical site will welcome riders and two local history guides will talk about its past.
• Oakland Ridge Industrial Park - Columbia's first industrial area has become a hidden marketplace, according to CA.
• Thunder Hill Area - Learn about how the streets in this area in Oakland Mills got their names and about Coon Hunt Court's name change.
• Jackson Pond - The site has changed from a farm pond, to an experimental storm water retention pond, to a neighborhood asset.
• Symphony Woods and Downtown Redevelopment - Two knowledgable volunteers will be on hand to talk about changes coming to downtown Columbia.

At each site, posters have been placed to provide riders with information and, in addition, volunteers will be available to answer questions, according to Kellner.

For example, local experts such as Jane Dembner, CA's director of community building, and development blogger Matt Wilson will be talking to residents about changes coming to Downtown Columbia. At Woodlawn slave quarters, a local history teacher who studied the building and a leader in its restoration will provide background on the historical building to residents, according to Kellner.

"[Riders] have a nice ride through neighborhoods, through beautiful open space and it's carefree," said Kellner.

More than 400 people have already registered, said Kellner, but those who haven't are still welcome to take part in the BikeAbout on Saturday. The event starts at the steps leading to the Lake Kittamaqundi lakefront at 9:30 a.m.

CA has more information about the event here.

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