By Jess Thomas
Greg Troxel photo
The 13th annual Stow Conservation Trust Bike For The Woods is set to occur on Sunday, August 24 in front of Stow’s Randall Library.
The race, which was started in 2002 by Ken Levine, is a charity event that helps support work done by the Stow Conservation Trust, according to this year’s co-coordinators Chris Spear and Jim Salvie.
Salvie said, “It’s a family friendly ride, which means you don’t have to be part of the spandex and Lycra crowd to enjoy it.”
There are many route options for all different levels of biking experience. Participants can bike 5, 14, 28, 35, 46 and 65 miles, according to Salvie, noting that the 5 and 14-mile rides are perfect for kids.
“For the longer rides, there’s a water stop in Littleton, and for the 46 and 65, a lunch stop back at Common Road,” Salvie said. “The routes are marked with arrows painted on the pavement and at least two arrows before every turn. It is very much a ride, not a race.”
All six routes begin on Common Road, in front of Stow’s library. Keeping the theme of conservation at the forefront, Salvie said that the routes go past conservation land and open space in towns including Stow, Bolton, Hudson, Acton, Harvard, Littleton and Boxboro.
Spear noted that there will be food and drink available, such as fresh peaches, cider donuts, and a mid-ride lemonade stand.
Refreshments are donated by the event sponsors, including Whole Foods of Wayland; Bagels Plus, Trader Joe’s, Pedal Power, Idylwilde Farms, and Starbucks of Acton; Honey Pot Hill, Emma’s Café and Carver Hill Orchards of Stow.
Salvie added that volunteers pay money for other expenses, such as sign permits or paint.
All of the registration fees go to support the non-profit, volunteer-run Stow Conservation Trust, with its mission to “assist in and promote the preservation and conservation of land in Stow.” The organization relies primarily on paid memberships, donations and fundraisers to fulfill their objectives.
“The [SCT] aims to preserve open space for future generations. Last year, the ride raised over $2,000 for this worthy cause,” said Spear, adding that there were over 100 riders in 2013.
Registration in advance is $15 per rider over 12 years old and $10 per child. People can also register on the day of the race for $20 (over age 12) and $15 for children.
Day-of-race registration takes place at 8:30 a.m. and the ride begins at 9:00 a.m. For registration and more information, visit http://bikeforthewoods.org.
For more information on the work of the Stow Conservation Trust, visit
http://www.stowconservationtrust.org