Hoosic River Ride Planned Aug. 22
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The Hoosic River Watershed Association has been dedicated to the research and advocacy of Hoosic watershed for 23 years. The watershed covers 720 square miles of mostly farmland and forests and stretches across the corners of three states, affecting nearly all of our local communities.
The bike ride is the nonprofit's largest fundraiser. The goal of the benefit is to raise $8,000 and draw 175 riders.
"The ride has grown slowly, allowing us to make adjustments each year to make the experience even better for participants," said Lisa Carey Moore, a lead organizer. "We are especially thrilled to see how many riders are returning this year. It is a testament to the wonderful routes and great camaraderie that the ride offers. I'm also hopeful that we have a growing
contingent of Hoosic River fans who will be there to advocate for the river in the future."
Registration includes aid stations along all routes, a water bottle and a picnic/happy hour including burritos and other food provided by local establishments. The Trophy Husbands and the Weapons of Mass Seduction will provide musical entertainment. All who register by Saturday, Aug. 1, will receive a T-shirt and a registration discount of $10. Register at www.hoorwa.org, bikereg.com, or active.com. Fees start at $30 and children 12 and under ride for free with a
registered adult. Registration is available up through the day of the ride.
The routes are:
■ Bridges and Monument Loop, 13 miles, starting at 10 a.m.: Created with the idea that it be accessible to families and younger riders. Gradual hills, rolling terrain, historic covered bridges and the Bennington Monument (with a free pass to visit) as well as a short stretch of dirt road.
■ Two-State Tour, 33 miles, starting at 9 a.m.: Rolling hills, some gradual climbs, and two
covered bridges. Great views of the river and valley.
■ The Watershed Challenge, 70 miles, starting at 8 a.m.; 7:30 a.m. early bird option: Traverse all three states of the watershed - Massachusetts, New York and Vermont - during this challenging ride. This route includes a four-mile hill climb over Petersburg Pass, some short sections of dirt if you wish, flat stretches along the river valley, and lots of great views. Participants doing this route can cut off the Pass and approximately 20 miles. The cut off will be marked on ride.
Tech support will be provided by Highlander Bicycle of Bennington from 7 to 9:30 a.m. at registration. The Spoke will provide tech support at an aid station along the 70-mile route.
Local sponsors, without whom, the ride would not be possible. The title sponsors for the 2009 ride are the Bank of Bennington & Donovan and O'Connor LLP. Regional sponsors include Heliocentrix, Carbone Toyota & Honda of Bennington, Greylock Federal Credit Union, Jack Miller Contractors, Mark A. Pullano, DMD, Adams Cooperative Bank, C.H. McNally & Son Inc., Caretaker Farm, Dandelion Design Co., Grinnell Smith LLP, Hoosick Federal Credit Union, Mezze Bistro and Bar, Rehm-Brandt's Kitchen and Baths, Bennington College Office of Student Life, Overland Summers, Stewart's Shops, Clark Art Institute, The Spoke, Tsubo Massage, Wild Oats Cooperative Market and Williamstown Physical Therapy.
What HooRWA is working on:
Hoosick Falls Greenway in New York: In partnership with the village of Hoosick Falls, HooRWA proposes to create a greenway extending for about 2.5 miles along an abandoned rail corridor adjacent to the river. It will run through the village, and will provide opportunities for walking, biking, running, and winter uses; for floating and fishing access; for historical and nature interpretation; and for other outdoor recreation; as well as affording access to shops and restaurants in the village's commercial business district, thereby promoting economic development.
Hoosic River Revival in Massachusetts: Channeled in concrete by the Army Corps of Engineers in the 1950s after years of devastating floods, the winding river has become a rather unsightly remnant of industrialization. The revival is hoping to transform section of the flood chute into a more natural and attractive venue.
The Thunder Brook Restoration Project in Massachusetts: In the town of Cheshire, 2.4 miles of fragmented cold water habitat would be reconnected. The areas currently support native eastern brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis), a declining species in Massachusetts. Thunder Brook suffers from segmentation of habitat, solar heating of impounded water, sedimentation, and erosion issues. The proposed project would improve downstream water quality, restore connectivity to 2.4 miles of riverine and riparian habitat, remove the aging dam and replace an undersized culvert. Project partners include the Hoosuck Chapter of Trout Unlimited, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, Massachusetts Riverways, and the state Department of Fish and Game.
