6th Annual Hoosic River Ride
Presented by the Hoosic River Watershed Association
Location: Bennington, VT
Date: Saturday, August 21, 2010
Roll out times
The Watershed Challenge 75 miles will start at 8:30.
The Hoosic 50 will start at 9:00 a.m.
The Two State Tour (approx. 28) will start at 9:30
The Monument Tour (family ride at 8 miles) will start at 10:30.
Online Registration Closes Friday, August 20, 2010 at 12:00 NOON ET
For online registration, click here to link to Bikereg.com.
Or at Active.com
Or register directly with HooRWA. See Registration page below.
We’re SIX and only getting better with age!
The Hoosic River Ride is a one-day (rain or shine) event that benefits the education, research and advocacy programs of the non-profit Hoosic River Watershed Association (www.hoorwa.org). For the last five years, riders have responded very positively to the routes, the aid stations, picnic and just about every facet of the event. Locals have loved the challenge of new routes and the novelty of having their workout catered, while visitors have seized upon the cultural opportunities, everything from world class art to great theatre and music, offered by the region, to make the ride part of a great getaway weekend.
We have a new venue this year: the athletics building at Southern Vermont College, just a few miles south of our old location, and still in Bennington, VT. The Ride will continue to offer three scenic route options that traverse primarily secondary roads with great views, historic landmarks, covered bridges and yes, even a bit of hard-packed dirt (suitable for regular road tires).
Each group of riders will rollout together to start their chosen route. There will be well-stocked aid stations along the way, and routes will be marked on the road and cue sheets will be available to all. EMT support will be available at all aid stations and back at the registration area. Additionally, roving tech support will exist on each route, although all riders should come prepared with bikes tuned up and ready to go and a spare tube, tire irons and air to support your bike if need be. A complimentary tech check will be available at registration. A wonderful post ride picnic will start at 11:30 and run until 3:00 p.m. to help you celebrate your day.
If you register by August 1 you will receive $10 off your registration fee. Commemorative ride jerseys are available for $65, or you can raise $250 to get one free, along with a 1-yr. HooRWA membership. Updates re: hospitality items and other goodies will be made to this site as we firm things up.
THE 2010 ROUTES: See the “Routes” page below.
3 State Watershed Challenge: 75 miles, and 1 more for good luck….
We’re going backwards this year! At least for the beginning and the end. This figure eight route (with only 1/5 a mile overlap) will allow returning riders to discover a new challenge as the 4-mile climb up Petersburg now falls at mile 48! Tech support will be very limited on this ride: come prepared to help yourself (and fellow riders). This route includes a close up look at the Bennington Monument (you’ll have the option of stopping here, and taking the elevator up for a fantastic view of the terrain you’ll be covering), a roll over four covered bridges (crossing the Hoosic and its tributary, the Walloomsac), as well as a ton of gorgeous farmland! You’ll ascend 4,474 ft, with a few more feet of descent. But our testers guarantee that this is a more challenging ride than last year’s 69 mile route.
The Hoosic 50
It’s just that. What has been the “opt out of the climb” option for the last two years is now its own official route, with a few twists. We’re still tweaking, so come back soon for more info. or email lmoore@williams.edu.
RIDE DETAILS: Aid Station Items: Oranges, Bananas, watermelon, Cytomax, Water, caffeinated soda (at last station), peanut butter and jelly, brownies, pretzels, cookies (fig and chocolate chip). Participants should carry at least 16 oz. Of fluid upon departure whether in bottles or hydration packs, and a quick snack in case you get hungry between aid stations. Post Ride Picnic: Food, beverages, baked goods and more.
THE COST: This event is entirely organized and run by volunteers and all proceeds after costs associate with running a fun and safe event go directly to HooRWA’s programs. Registration fees will remain as posted here until August 1: after this date the price of the ride will increase by $10 and on ride morning an additional $5 will be levied (can you tell we are trying to get you to pre-register?). For example, instead of $40 for the Two State tour on or prior to Aug. 1, you’ll pay $50 if you register online by August 20 and $55 the day of the ride. (We’ve done our research and feel that this pricing scheme is very competitive with other rides of this nature. A good deal for a good cause!
Group Discount: We are offering groups of 5 or more who register together 10% of their individual fees. Contact lmoore@williams.edu or 413-281-0661 for a coupon code if you’re interested in this option.