LEXINGTON, MA (BRAIN)—The Mass BikePike Tour, a bicycle tour in Massachusetts, is now accepting registrations for its four-day event to take place August 5 - 8, 2010.
The bike tour will begin and end in Amherst, with daily riding options ranging from 30 to 65 miles though Central Massachusetts, the Quabbin Watershed, the Connecticut River Valley and hundreds of small towns, quaint villages and lush parks, farms and scenic vistas in between, according to a press release.
The Mass BikePike Tour is a celebration of cycling in Massachusetts. Families and individuals alike will enjoy ample opportunity to explore the state’s scenic byways, quaint towns, and all the varied attractions the region has to offer. The routes are scenic with terrain that ranges from rolling hills to challenging climbs and a spectacular descent to banks of the Connecticut River. Riders can pedal fast and finish the day early, or take a more leisurely pace and explore the countryside. Organizers will provide information about the history of the areas, interesting places to visit, and even where to take a dip along the way or at the end of the day.
Overnight stops will feature great places to camp and hardy meals featuring fresh local fare. Last year, riders enjoyed great Bar-B-Que from BT’s Smokehouse in Warren, a Mexican Buffet at Anna Maria College in Paxton, and a gourmet Farmers Market Evening Picnic prepared by the Hardwick Cooking School and Rose 32 Bakery in Orange. Vegetarian options are available. Group breakfast can include coffee, fruit, bagels, eggs, pancakes, oatmeal, cereals, and toast. Snack stops with lots of fresh fruit, cold water and Gatorade will be provided along the route
Participants who prefer an alternative to camping can sleep indoors at host schools or choose to stay close by at local inns or B&Bs. The tour camps at local schools with all facilities including pleasant bathroom facilities. No tents? No problem. The tour offers Camptel VIP Service – ride into camp at the end of the day, and tents will be propped, air mattress filled, and clean towels and chairs await. One night, the tour will be staying at a local college and everyone gets to sleep inside with air conditioning and comfortable beds. A good night’s sleep equals a good ride the following day.
Registered riders will receive maps, route descriptions, lists of local attractions along the route, access to snack stops, SAG support, a commemorative T-shirt, and the camaraderie of friendly folks having a good time and sharing the love of riding, all while raising money for a great cause. Commemorative jerseys will also be available for $55.
Proceeds from the event will benefit MassBike, Massachusetts’ statewide bicycle advocacy group. Proceeds help it achieve its mission of promoting a bicycle-friendly environment and encouraging bicycling for fun, fitness and transportation The tour is sponsored by Food Should Taste Good, Raw Revolution, Bike Rides for Ordinary People, Larabar, Landry’s Bicycles, Boston Bike Film Festival, MassBike, and Ciclismo Classico.
For more information and registration details, visit the Web site at www.MassBikePike.org (click on link), visit Mass BikePike on Facebook or call Bruce Lederer at 617-710-1832. Registration is due by July 19, 2010.
