Ride 1: Rockford to Paris - June 12th, 2021

 

We know where we're going!

No, we will not be crossing the Atlantic Ocean but we will be visiting our old "friend", The White Pine Trail on JUNE 12th to ride from Rockford to Paris, MI and back. On the northern most point of the ride we will stop to visit a 20 foot tall replica of The Eiffel Tower in Paris Park. I can't wait to have my picture taken next to this monument to making use of idle hands. 

The total route is 105 miles(click that to see a map) from the staging area in Belmont(That's not technically Rockford, I know but I have reasons. Number one being the staging area has actual bathrooms.) to Paris and back. For those unfamiliar with the trail, the section between Sand Lake and Big Rapids is unpaved/gravel. It's not the roughest track I've ridden but it's certainly not smooth tarmac. Other than that and the distance the route is pretty nice. With only 2200 feet of climbing over the 105 miles, the journey will be flat by any cycling standard. 

What does this mean for you who might want to ride with us? I'm so glad you asked!

This will not be an "organized" ride. This is a "group" ride. There is no ride fee etc. Although, donations to our fundraising campaign are very much encouraged. 

Here are the options for ride distances:

• First - White Pine Trail Information With Distances
• Go for ALL! and ride the whole distance with Lisa and I
• Roll out from Belmont with us at the start and ride as far as you please before turning around
• Pick a spot closer to Paris to join us and ride to the photo op
• Drive to Paris for the photo op(Hi Mom and Dad!) - There is a $7 car entry fee as the park is run by Mecosta County(Bikes typically enter state and county parks for free in Michigan.)

The route gives anyone who wants to join us plenty of options to link up at the various parking areas as we ride along the trail. I will post an approximate time table later that will give you an idea of where we can expect to be within a certain time from the start. 

But what about the Raising One For Anne? We will certainly do that but the post-ride libations spot will be announced later after a scouting of Rockford and COVID operating conditions. 

Fundraising: Our past fundraising has sent over $16,000 to epilepsy research! However, the Epilepsy Foundation has discontinued The Gear Up For Epilepsy program that we have used for the last two years. We will be fundraising under their Athletes vs Epilepsy banner. If you wish to do your own fundraising, please contact me, and I will help get you set up on our team.

If you visit my page now, (link), or the Raise One For Anne 2021 page(also a link) you will see some legacy donations already included. However, I have bumped up the goals to reflect our team fundraising goal of $7000 for 2021.

Considerations and Safety Stuff:

• You are riding at your own risk.
• Wear a helmet while riding.
• Sunscreen is your friend.
• If riding non-paved sections, a 32mm+ tire width is recommended unless you are skilled bike handler.
• Pick a distance that you can finish!
• We encourage anyone who plans to ride with us to receive the COVID-19 vaccination. 
• To that end, mask up when entering businesses etc., if required.
• Feel free to ask questions in the comments about more recommendations for several hours on a bike and the expected pace of the full ride.

All bullet points and safety warnings aside, we are really looking forward to riding with friends again! If you choose to ride with us, that will be awesome but we'll be just as happy to have you make a toast to Anne's memory too. 

Ride 2: TBA but will take place during the early part of July in Columbus, OH.