Cyclists can start gearing up for the Essex Region Conservation Bike Tour.
The Essex Region Conservation foundation's bike tour starts on Saturday, September 28 and gives cyclists the chance to enjoy the last moments of summer.
Starting and ending in Mettawas Park in Kingsville, riders can choose from five different road routes ranging from 60 – 110 km, while Greenway riders can choose from a 15, 32km or 60 km trail experience. Routes also range in skill level. The tour will finish with a lakefront festival. Local bike shops and cycling groups will also participate in the celebration.
“We want to showcase the beautiful connected trail systems that we’ve created across the region through the Chrysler Canada and Cypher Systems Group Greenways,” said Danielle Breault Stuebing, director of communications and outreach.
In hopes of raising funds to create a new community entrance along the Cypher Systems Group Greenway, the Essex Conservation Foundation wants local and regional organizations to enter corporate teams to compete against each other.
“Last year, event participants raised nearly $25,000 to support trails in the Place for Life,” Stuebing adds.“This year, we’re aiming to reach a $35,000 goal in order to build a new community entrance along the Cypher Systems Group Greenway at County Rd. 15. The Bike Tour is ideally suited for teams and families interested in health, wellness and team building to explore the region’s fantastic trails while raising funds for additional parking and access locations," she said in the release.
Organizers say the top fundraising team will be recognized with a tree and plaque prominently featured at the new community entrance.
The foundation is also introducing incentives for team captains and top individual fundraisers.