The leisurely paced, 5.5-mile tours last approximately 21/2 hours and are led by experienced museum docents, discussing Oakland's architecture, art, natural features and history, from the Native American and Spanish Rancho periods through the Gold Rush, the Victorian era, and the 1906 earthquake to the present.

"The tours are on mostly flat terrain, suitable for riders of average ability," says bike tripper organizer Ron Krause. "Children over 12 are welcome if accompanied by an adult. Please bring your own bike."

One of today's tour highlights is a ride through beautifully landscaped Preservation Park, in downtown Oakland.

"For those who have already taken the standard tour, we are offering an alternative tour starting from the same location, that will explore the historic Brooklyn and Clinton neighborhoods, east of the lake," says Krause. "Advanced reservations are recommended, but not required, and the tours will be offered again next month, on the third Sunday, Oct. 17, so if folks miss out on today's tours, there is still one more chance this season."

The bike tours are free, contact the Docent Office at 238-3514 for more information.

Free walking tours of downtown Oakland continue, with tours this Wednesday, of the Old Oakland Historic District, and the Jack London Waterfront on Saturday. Wednesday's tour starts at 10 a.m. and examines the city's commercial center of the 1870s, with a look at the restored Italianate style former hotel and rooming houses on Washington and 9th Streets.

This area now known as 'Old Oakland,' was developed following the completion of the transcontinental rail line in 1869. "Once Oakland was selected as the western terminus, the city's growth really took off," says tour guide leader Don Tyler.

Saturday's tour focuses on the life and times of native son and noted author Jack London, as well as the history and development of Oakland's port. Also included on the tour is a look at turn-of-the-century wholesale produce district warehouses, still open for business after 100 years.

Full descriptions of all the tours offered by the Tours Program, along with map, dates, and starting places, can be found at www.oaklandnet.com/walkingtours. The twice weekly tours are continuing through October, and include Chinatown, Churches and Temples, and City Hall/City Center. The tours hotline number is 238-3234.

A day-long bus tour, visiting five historic house museums, takes place on Thursday, says organizer David Nicolai, director of the Pardee Home Museum, one of the stops on the tour.

"By popular demand, we are offering this tour for the third time, and seats are still available," says Nicolai. "The $70 ticket price includes all day free parking, deluxe bus transportation, a box lunch, and admission to each of the houses. Proceeds will benefit each of the houses' ongoing programs and activities."

The other historic house museums on Thursday's tour are the Camron-Stanford House, the Dunsmuir House, the Peralta Hacienda, and the Cohen-Bray House.

For more information on the bus tour, call 444-2187.

The Oakland Tribune: Cityside
Leanne McLaughlin, Managing Editor
(510) 208-6447
(510) 208-6477 Fax##
lmclaughlin@angnewspapers.com Email