Something special is happening in the towns of Amesbury, Newbury, Newburyport, and Salisbury. Thanks to strident efforts made by the volunteer-based Coastal Trails Coalition (CTC), there now exists a 30-mile public system of bicycle and pedestrian trails connecting those communities.
With support from the Essex National Heritage Commission, the National Park Service Rivers and Trails Program, and the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission, CTC has helmed the development of the Coastal Trails Network. The coming together of urban planners, city commissioners, area residents, and cycling enthusiasts has resulted in the repurposing of retired railroads; residents now enjoy a host of recreational activities on the reconstituted rails.
CTC trails are designated sections of the greater East Coast Greenway that stretches from the United States/Canadian border to Key West, Florida. Future development includes plans to extend the system beyond Amesbury, Newbury, Newburyport, and Salisbury into neighboring towns.
Toward that end, CTC is holding its 4th Annual “Slow Bike Race” fundraiser—a guaranteed good time! As part of Newburyport’s Yankee Homecoming week, participating riders do their utmost to be last to the finish line of a 15-yard course. First Prize goes to the last-place winner, a Judges’ Prize is given for best spirit or costume, and the Grand Prize is awarded to the rider who raises the most money to keep those rail trails rolling ever on.
Note: The coalition is looking for riders to participate and volunteers to judge costumes (and to make sure riders do not touch a foot to the ground).
July 30 at 5:30 p.m., Registration $25, Brown Square, Pleasant St., Newburyport, 978-462-2733, http://coastaltrails.org