Y'all know that every year, I Love Memphis does something to acknowledge National Travel & Tourism Week (second week in May). It's usually a chance to learn about the tourism industry in Memphis, celebrate the city, and just have some fun.

This year, we are partnering with Freewheel and Explore Bike Share for a slow ride through downtown Memphis on Wednesday, May 9 - and you're totally invited! Go ahead and say you're "Going" on the FB event if you plan to attend!

Here's the plan:

We'll meet up before 6 p.m. at Handy Park on Beale and then take an easy-paced ride to several stops in downtown. At each stop, the group will get a surprise visit from a local that has a unique take on tourism or travel. You're gonna hear some fun facts and then we'll be on our way. We'll be sure to take a water break, too.

After the group returns to Handy Park, there's a post-ride meetup at the Tin Roof on Beale. It will also be Bike Night on Beale, so expect to see a lot of the other kind of bike (motorcycles) and the whole evening should be pretty darn festive. We estimate the ride should take less than two hours, so you'll be done before 8 p.m.

What if I don't have a bike?
Explore Bike Share and Freewheel will have a limited selection for you to use free of charge. Official policy: "Feel free to arrive early to claim a bike from Freewheel and Explore Bike Share's 'first come, first serve' fleet of 25 bikes."

If you do have your own bike, bring it and come on down! Just be sure to bring a lock so you can leave it secured for the post-ride meetup.

Who can come?
Everyone is invited and there are no tickets required! We will ask that you RSVP on the Facebook Event to help us better plan. Riders under the age of 16 will not be able to use the fleet bikes, so they'll need to bring their own and be accompanied by a parental guardian.

How much does it cost?
It's free to join the ride, though if you attend the meetup afterwards, you'll be able to purchase food and drink.

What are the stops?
I don't have the exact route for the ride yet, but these will be the quick stops we'll make downtown as we learn about travel and tourism for...National Travel & Tourism Week.

Handy Park
VictorianVillage Memphis
Memphis Cook Convention Center **water break**
South Main Arts District, Memphis
Martyr's Park
I AM A MAN Plaza at Clayborn Temple

What else should I know?
Like all Freewheel rides, the group goes at a reasonable pace. Bicycles are actually not allowed on Beale Street itself, so you'll need to enter Handy Park from one of the other entrances. I'll find out exactly where as soon as that info becomes available.

Let's get rolling Memphis! Celebrate National Travel & Tourism Week with the I Love Memphis + Freewheel + Explore Bike Share Slow Ride on May 9.

We can't wait to see you!