Cyclists attend a bike protest on Sunday, June 27, 2010. (Timothy Neesam/CBC)

By Amber Hildebrandt, CBC News

The Bike Bloc began at Bloor and Spadina, on the southeast corner, where so many bicycle meetups have gathered before. It is, after all, where the monthly Critical Mass meets.

And that is how many people knew about the 1 p.m. Bike Bloc protest on the second day of the G20 weekend.

But as the crowd of hundreds wound its way through the city - aimlessly at points it seemed - few seemed to know where the ride would end. It came to stop at the detention centre set up on Eastern Avenue in the former Toronto Film Studios building.

When they arrived, after circling and circling in the downtown core ringing their bells and flashing peace signs at all, a few cyclists seemed disconcerted.

"I just wanted to be part of a peaceful protest, especially after yesterday," said Katie Burns, 29, who joined after hearing about the event online.

Burns began heading away from the hordes outside the detention centre when police began donning their riot gear. "I just don't want to be trapped here," she said.

James Young, 28, was another cyclist caught unaware. He spotted the line of cyclists near Queen's Park and decided to join.

"I was just along for the ride," said the High Park resident.

He said the protest seemed peaceful and so he decided to join because he has a brother in Afghanistan.

Brianna Greaves said she knew the end point but had no intention of sticking around to see if tear gas is deployed.

"I wanted to go and cheer loud enough so people inside could hear," said Greaves, adding she was trying to give the detainees hope.