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What is the Hoosic River Ride?

The Hoosic River Ride is a one-day (rain or shine) bike tour that will benefit the education and research programs of the non-profit Hoosic River Watershed Association www.hoorwa.org. For the last three 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. To keep things fresh for our faithful contingent of returning riders, and to remain true to our purpose of providing people with an opportunity to see more of the Hoosic River's watershed, this year's ride will begin and end at Bennington College http://www.bennington.edu/ in historic North Bennington, VT www.bennington.com.

The Ride will offer three scenic route options of 13, 35 and 70 miles 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). There will be three rollouts for each route, well stocked aid stations along the way, with routes marked on the road and cue sheets for all. A wonderful post ride picnic/happy hour (each participant over the age of 21 will have a beer on us). The first 120 registered participants will receive a complimentary organic cotton shopping bag and a water bottle with our great ride logo. Commemorative ride jerseys will be available for $65, or riders can raise money to earn one. And all participants will receive a bundle of hospitality gifts to area attractions and businesses.

Hospitality Gifts

The 2008 Routes:

Important Note: Cue sheets for all of the routes will be available at registration. Elevations are below or for more info visit mapmyride.com/short-loop, mapymyride.com/medium-loop, and mapmyride.com/long-loop.

#1) Bridges and Monument Loop-13 miles: This route is new this year, and we created it with the idea that it be accessible to families and younger riders. There are gradual hills, good roads, with plenty of views, including a short circle around the Bennington Monument http://www.historicvermont.org/bennington. You will spy the river while you traverse two covered bridges and there is a short section of dirt road. There will only be one aid station along this route. Rollout (meaning we will start as a group) will be 10:00 a.m.

#2) Two-State Tour-35 miles: This route will include some of the terrain from the Bridges and Monument loop but will add an excursion to neighboring New York State. You'll pass near the Bennington Battlefield Historic Site http://www.hoosickhistory.com and will have the opportunity to admire the Hoosic River along the way. There will be three aid stations along this route. Rollout will be at 9:00 a.m.

#3) The Watershed Challenge-70 miles: Traverse all three states of the watershed—Massachusetts, New York and Vermont-during this challenging ride. This route will include a bit of everything-a 4-mile hill climb over Petersburg Pass (2,067 ft), some sections of dirt, flat stretches along the river valley-and lots of great views! There will be four aid stations along this route. Rollout will be at 8:00 a.m. and a sag wagon will follow riders to assist those who need it.

Note: Participants doing the 70-miler can cut off the Pass and approx. 20 miles. The cut off will be marked on ride day and you can exercise this option if you choose.

Aid Station Items: Oranges, Bananas, watermelon, Cytomax, Water, caffeinated soda (70 miler only), 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/Happy Hour: This event will feature homemade chilies, baked goods, fruit, salads and more. Beverages include lemonade, iced tea and a free beer for participants 21 or over (you can have more, but you will need to purchase it, sorry J ).

The Cost: This event is almost 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.

For Individual Riders:

Bridges and Monument Loop: $30 until August 1, $40 after this date, including day-of registration. Children 12 and under who ride this route with a registered parent are FREE.

Two State Tour and Watershed Challenge: $40 until August 1, $50 after this date, including day-of registration.

Tandem Riders (two adults or one adult and child over 12):

Bridges and Monument Loop: $50 until August 1, $60 after this date, including day-of registration.

Two State Tour and Watershed Challenge: $60 until August 1, $70 after this date, including day-of registration.

http://www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1595724

http://www.bikereg.com/events/default.asp?ns=Hoosic+river+ride

Want to help more?

Raise $250 for HooRWA and receive our great commemorative ride jersey and a 1-year complimentary HooRWA membership as our thanks to you!

Jersey's can be purchased for $65, but why not take the opportunity to tell your friends, business colleagues and family about the great work of HooRWA while helping us raise additional money to support our programs? Our very talented graphic designer Sarah Brill has come up with a stellar logo that will grace this jersey.

For more on this years sponsors below, please visit here.

Many thanks to this year's sponsors: Adams Cooperative Bank; Bennington College; Bennington Subaru; Berkshire Gas; C. H. McNally & Son, Inc.; Dandelion Designs; Greylock Federal Credit Union; Grinnell, Dubendorf & Smith, L.L.C; Heliocentrix; Hoosick Federal Credit Union; Jack Miller Contractors; Living Well Chiropractic; Merchant's Bank; Pella Windows & Doors (Greenfield, MA); Overland Summers; Pedaling.com,; r.k. Miles, Inc.; Stewart's Shops; Trustco Bank; and Williamstown Physical Therapy. With additional support from All Days & Onions; Helen's Place; Maxima Electric; Power's Market and The Store at Five Corners.