Cycling enthusiasts of all abilities can ride through some of Essex County’s most beautiful landscapes when Essex County Greenbelt hosts its third annual road cycle event to benefit local land conservation on Saturday, September 16.
Whether a seasoned road cyclist or a beginner, you can enjoy at your own pace one of two routes offered by Tour de Greenbelt: a half-century (50 miles) and a shorter route (25 miles). The routes showcase more than 50 of Greenbelt’s exquisite conserved properties.
“You can challenge yourself for your personal best time or slow down and enjoy the scenery,” said Ed Becker, Greenbelt’s president and avid cyclist, emphasizing that the event is for riders of all abilities.
Proceeds from Tour de Greenbelt will help conserve the region’s farmland, wildlife habitat, scenic landscapes, and places for outdoor recreation. Since 1961, Greenbelt has been working with local individuals, families, farmers, and communities to protect the farmland, wildlife habitat, and scenic vistas of Essex County. Greenbelt has protected more than 16,000 acres of local land and has had a direct role in 75% of all land conserved in the last decade.
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Greenbelt’s historic Cox Reservation at 82 Eastern Avenue, Essex, MA will serve as the ride start and finish line for both routes, as well as a beautiful location for the post-ride festivities. The 31-acre saltwater farm offers expansive views of the Great Marsh and Essex Bay.
Ed Becker will lead a free “practice ride” of the route on Sunday morning, August 20, 9:00 a.m. from the Cox Reservation, 82 Eastern Avenue, Essex.
Riders can pre-register for Tour de Greenbelt online at bikereg.com/tour-de-greenbelt until 5:00 pm on Tuesday, September 12, or register on the morning of the event at the Cox Reservation. Pre-registration rates are $150 for Greenbelt members, and $175 for non-members. There is also a pre-registration fundraiser option, where riders may pre-register at a $50 rate with a commitment to raise an additional $200 to support Greenbelt. Event-day registration is $200 for members and non-members.
Event-day registration opens at 7:30 a.m. A safety briefing and course overview will begin at 8:40 a.m., followed by a staggered start at 9:00 a.m. for the 50-mile riders and at 9:45 a.m. for the 25-mile riders. Routes, maps, and cue sheets are available at www.tourdegreenbelt.org/.
Ride registration includes a bike jersey sponsored by Crafts Sportswear, water bottle, on route support provided by Seaside Cycle of Manchester, water stops, and raffle entry to win a men’s or women’s bike, compliments of Seaside Cycle and Lynx System Developers. Registration also includes a post-ride party featuring BBQ, non-alcoholic beverages, a ticket for Harpoon Ale, and live music. Family and friends are encouraged to join in the post-ride festivities, where additional tickets for BBQ and beer can be purchased.
The Title Sponsor of Tour de Greenbelt is The Institution for Savings. The Major sponsors of the ride are New England BioLabs and Cell Signaling Technology. Lead Sponsors are Mortgage Network and page Street Publishing.
Learn more about all aspects of the event and find a complete list of our sponsors at www.tourdegreenbelt.org.