Local cycling, kayaking event is Saturday
By Ed Nadolski
Editor in Chief
When members of Bike Burlington, a local bicycle advocacy group, were looking for ways to publicize their annual Pedal, Paddle, Play event they hit on an apropos idea – a billboard towed by a bicycle.
The mobile billboard has been used at several events in the Burlington and Waterford areas in recent weeks – including the B-Town Sounds and Waterford River Rhythms concert series and the Burlington Farmers Market.
Members of the group are hoping the added exposure translates into additional participants for Saturday’s event, according to Madonna Carr, president of Bike Burlington.
Pedal, Paddle, Play offers families and recreational cyclists a chance to get together for a ride on the Seven Waters Bike Trail between Burlington and Waterford and then make a return trip (or vice-versa) via canoe or kayak on the Fox River, according to Carr.
The suggested format, she said, has riders beginning at Riverside Park in Burlington and pedaling to Village Hall Park in Waterford where they can use their own kayaks (or rent them) to paddle downstream to Case Eagle Park in Rochester. From there they can hop on their bikes again and finish the trip back to Riverside Park.
Carr said participants may also opt to paddle all the way back to Burlington. The choice is theirs, she added, as is the choice to start and end the event at any point along the way.
Whatever the chosen route, members of Bike Burlington will transport participants’ bicycles and kayaks to their preferred transition points and return them to the finish point as needed.
The “play” portion of the event occurs at each of the three parks where live music will be offered.
Registration begins at 9 a.m. at all three parks and the event itself runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Registration is $10 per person and includes a T-shirt. There is no charge for children 7 and younger.
Proceeds from registration fees will be used by Bike Burlington to advocate for bicycling in the Burlington area. The costs of the event are underwritten by sponsorship from Runzheimer.
Kayak rentals will be available in Waterford at Village Hall Park from Fox River Paddle Sports. The cost is $25.
Bicycle helmets and personal flotation devices are required for participants.
This is the third year of the event, but the first time it will be held in June – it was held in September the past two years. Carr said members of the group hope the date change helps attract more participants this year.
-
-
-
-
-