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Ride for the River returns for 7th year

Mike Jablonski, left, and Dave Swits wave as they near the end of their 30-mile bike ride around Wilmington and Jay during 2017’s Ride for the River, a benefit for the Ausable River Association. (Enterprise photo — Justin A. Levine)

WILMINGTON — Ride for the River, a family-friendly road cycling tour benefitting the conservation work of Ausable River Association returns this weekend for the seventh straight year. 

The event features multiple route options for Sunday’s main event and an all-new casual group ride, the “Tailgater” planned for Saturday afternoon. All rides start and finish at the Hungry Trout Resort in Wilmington.

Participants are encouraged to register online in advance, but can also sign up the day of the event.

Ride for the River was created by AsRA in 2012 to celebrate the resilience of local communities following the devastating flooding caused by Tropical Storm Irene. In partnership with Cycle Adirondacks, the ride features interactive route stops allowing cyclists to learn about the impacts of road salt, invasive species and undersized culverts on Ausable streams and habitat. 

“Ride for the River is an opportunity to celebrate the Ausable River and surrounding communities, as well as share our ongoing work to protect the river,” noted Kelley Tucker, Executive Director of AsRA. 

The event features clearly marked ride distances of 3, 30, 45 and 57 miles. Each route will be highlighted by interactive route stops, complete with water and food, where cyclists can get a first-hand guided look at the critical conservation work of AsRA. 

“Ride for the River has quickly become a highlight of the CycleADK summer event calendar,” said Doug Haney, CycleADK Marketing and Community Relations. “It’s been an honor for us to help the event grow in a way that now brings cyclist from around the northeast to Wilmington. We’re particularly excited about adding the Tailgater ride on Saturday, which will draw guests for multiple night stays in the region.” 

The 2018 event already has guests planning to attend from throughout the northeast with riders traveling from as far away as Ohio, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Toronto to Ride for the River. 

The 1 p.m. post ride party is open to all and will feature a barbecue by the Hungry Trout, craft beer from Great Adirondack Brewing Company, fruit tonics from Fuitbelt, live music from Useless Cans and bicycle demos with High Peaks Cyclery. 

Proceeds from the event support AsRA’s mission to restore damaged portions of the river. For complete event information and to register, go to CycleAdirondacks.com/RideForTheRiver. 

Starting at $4.75/week.

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