100 riders anticipated for the inaugural Hoosic River Ride

Submitted by:
Lisa Carey Moore, Hoosic River Watershed Council
413-281-0661
careymoore@adelphia.net

100 Riders Anticipated for the Inaugural Hoosic River Ride

(Williamstown, MA)-- Organizers for the inaugural Williamstown Savings Bank Hoosic River Ride announced that 80 riders have pre-registered for this one-day bicycling tour to take place on August 27, 2005. "We're excited as we have registrants from as far away as Toronto Canada as well as many riders from around the region" said Lisa Carey Moore, one of the rides organizers. With registration available on the day of the ride, Carey Moore said organizers hope to top their 100-rider goal. "We are on track to have a very successful benefit which will provide money for the Hoosic River Watershed Association's programs in education, research and advocacy" she explained.

Same day registration will begin at 7:30 a.m. at Mt. Greylock Regional High School and will cost participants $50 (fee includes cost of a one-day USCF license. If riders have a valid license, the cost is $45). Riders may choose from a 31-mile or 64-mile loop, both traveling through the watershed states of MA, VT and NY. All participants will receive a water bottle, Berkshires Cycling Guide courtesy of Storey Publishing, as well as wonderful home-made food at the post ride picnic. In addition, riders will be able to stop for food and drink at one of six aid stations, and will have access to tech support courtesy of The Spoke bike shop while riding.

Organizers would like to alert area motorists to the potential of increased traffic along some of the region's major roads, including: Route 7 north of the Mt. Greylock Regional H.S. and into Pownal Vermont; Route 2 west into downtown Petersburg, NY; Route 22 north of Petersburg into Hoosick; Route 346 from Pownal to North Petersburg; and Route 67 from the Buskirk covered bridge into Eagle Bridge, NY. Many county roads in Rensselaer County will be used for the 64-mile ride, including: 103, 110, 111, 114, 59, 104, and 95. Motorists are urged to exercise caution along these roads on the day of the ride.

Finally, organizers are asking dog/pet owners to keep their animals safe on the day of the ride as the cyclists will be traveling at higher speeds and will not always be able to react quickly enough to avoid animals in the road.

For more information on the ride or the roads to be used for the ride, please visit www.hoorwa.org.