Reid brothers ride: Learn about S.F. as you pedal

At this time of year, many people keep New Year's resolutions in the back of their mind when planning weekend activities, keeping an eye out for self-improvement opportunities. Fortunately, the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition helps make it easy to feel good and healthy while learning something about our beautiful city: the Reid Brothers architecture ride. This fourth annual ride showcases the work of James and Merritt Reid, Canadian brothers who made significant contributions to the San Francisco skyline in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

The tour offers people a unique way to learn more about San Francisco, and it gives an informal lesson in local history and architecture with a specialized focus.

While not immediately recognizable by name, the Reid brothers' body of work speaks for itself. The Hotel Del Coronado near San Diego (which was the backdrop for Marilyn Monroe, Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis in "Some Like It Hot") and San Francisco's Fairmont Hotel are beautiful destinations for travelers, and they were designed by the brothers' firm. The third iteration of the Cliff House on Ocean Beach was also built by the Reids in 1909, and is the foundation of what greets a multitude of tourists and visitors today.

Andy Thornley, tour leader and the Bicycle Coalition's program director, became interested in the Reid brothers when he learned that they had designed his neighborhood's movie house, the Balboa Theater, and soon discovered several other projects by the brothers' architecture firm.

"A beautiful neighborhood theater led me to discovering that these guys were an integral part of the San Francisco landscape and the city's history," he says.

Thornley's interest in the two began to turn from fledgling curiosity into a full-blown hobby: "I quickly graduated from 'interested amateur' to 'unqualified authority,' " he jokes. "Using this information for a ride and tour of the city seemed natural."

Many highlights of the tour have historical significance: The Central Tower - known as the Call Building when it was built in 1897 - was the tallest building west of Chicago at the time. Still standing, the building survived the fires associated with the earthquake of 1906, only to be renovated out of its former grandeur in 1938.

In addition to the buildings featured on the architecture ride, the Reids designed many notable houses in San Francisco, many of which are in Pacific Heights. Of note are the mansions built for the Spreckels family, including what is presently known as the Geneva Car Barn at 2301 San Jose Ave., and 2083 and 2099 Pacific Ave. in Pacific Heights.

The tour is appropriate for all fitness levels and has an easy pace and frequent stops. Tour organizers suggest eating a big lunch beforehand and planning on a stop somewhere for a snack during the ride.

SFBC Architecture Ride: The Reid Brothers in SF: 1:30 p.m. Sat. Free-$5. Meet in front of the David Hewes Building, 995 Market St. For information, e-mail andy@sfbike.org.

Bike About Town is presented by the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, a 12,000-member nonprofit dedicated to creating safer streets and more livable communities by promoting the bicycle for everyday transportation. For more biking resources, go to www.sfbike.org.

- Ben Russo, 96hours@sfchronicle.com

This article appeared on page G - 24 of the San Francisco Chronicle