EcoRide 2009

Check out the great photos from the Ann Arbor News!

Sunday, June 28

EcoRide 2008 logoWhat is the EcoRide?

The EcoRide is a family-friendly event where you and your friends can come together for a fun bike ride to raise money for the Ecology Center's programs for a safe and healthy environment. We offer a variety of supported routes to choose from, so there’s something for everyone! The loop inside the park is especially great for walkers and rollerbladers, too. Stick around for food, activities, music and more!

Download the EcoRide 2009 brochure.

Where does the EcoRide happen?

By popular demand, the EcoRide has returned to the west side of Ann Arbor for its third year starting and finishing from Hudson Mills Metropark* near Dexter. In addition to great views of the meandering Huron River, this site offers a lot for families, including a 3.5 mile paved bike trail contained within the park, a playground, nature trail, and more.
*There is a $4 daily vehicle fee to enter the park, which participants will have to pay on their own. This fee does not include bicyclers, walkers, or rollerbladers. We highly encourage carpooling or biking into the park, as it saves energy, and saves you a couple dollars!

What does the EcoRide Cost?

For this year’s EcoRide, there is no rider fee for adult riders (children under 12 can still ride for only $5)! Instead, we're asking you to get your family and friends involved and raise a minimum of $50 in pledges. Of course, you can donate to your own ride, too! All pledges are tax-deductible. All pre-registered riders who raise $50 or more get a cool eco-friendly gift (day-of registrants will receive the gift while supplies last). The more money you raise, the more you can qualify for other prizes, too!

Get Pledges! Win Prizes!

Compete with other riders to raise money for your cause! Start collecting pledges today at www.firstgiving.com/ecocenter.org.

The rider who raises the most money will win a brand new bike from Wheels in Motion! More great prizes donated by local businesses will go to the top individual and team fundraisers.

Register and Raise Money Online!

EcoRide registration is just a few clicks away. You can create your own personal fundraising page and send emails to your friends and family asking for their support.

For more information about the 2009 EcoRide and how you can participate or help out, contact Ken Kozora at (734) 761-3186 ext. 120.

 


 

Fun EcoRide Festivities!

Come enjoy our family-oriented activities and entertainment at the River Grove Picnic Site in Hudson Mills Metropark from 10am-2pm:

  • Recycled crafts and kids's activities

  • Musical entertainment by Dorkestra from 10-11:30am and Po 'Boyz (sponsored by Riverfolk Festival) from 12-2pm

  • Prize drawings at 1pm (Need not be present to win)

  • Amazing local foods, water and snacks available for free to riders throughout the day

  • Massages provided by Ann Arbor Institute of Massage Therapy

  • Merchandise booth and more!

The Ecology Center will use biodegradable paper products for food rather than plastics, reuse materials and print on recycled, chlorine-free paper whenever possible to create a non-toxic, eco-friendly event.


Volunteers Needed

We need you to make this bike-a-thon fundraiser a success! Help is needed in these and other areas:

  • Registration
  • Checkpoints
  • SAG wagon

For more information on how to volunteer, contact Ken at
(734) 761-3186 ext 120.


Be Ready to Ride:

EcoRide
  • Always wear a bicycle helmet
     
  • Have your bike in good repair
     
  • Observe all traffic laws: obey all traffic signs and signals; ride to the right of the lane or path; signal for turns and stops; don't bike more than two abreast; please be courteous to pedestrians, other cyclists and motorists.
     
  • Remember to bring: filled water bottle, sunscreen, extra inner tube
     
  • Cyclists should try a practice ride or two at the chosen distance before ride day. This is strongly recommended for the two longer routes.

EcoRide 2009 Routes

Registration opens at 7am on Sunday, June 28, and will run until 11am. All routes begin and end at Hudson Mills Metropark, using paved roads within Washtenaw County. Riders, based on their ability, should time the start of their ride so as to return to Hudson Mills no later than 2pm. All rides will be SAG supported, along with check points for food or water and to assist with any problems.

 
3.5 Mile Loop
Riders & Walker’s Delight! (9:00*)
This flat terrain hike-bike-skate loop is perfect for families and those who want a relaxing view of a lagoon and the Huron River. Safe and entirely contained within Hudson Mills. Walkers and rollerbladers welcome!

10 Miles
Dexter Destination Route (8:30*)
This safe and smooth trip along the Huron River to the historic town of Dexter is great for families and intermediate riders.
Want to keep riding? Hop onto the 3.5 Mile look within Hudson Mills Metropark and add as many laps as you would like at your own pace.

25 Miles
Huron River Drive Classic (8:00*)
A route most riders know and love, come enjoy scenic Huron River Drive, while taking in a few less traveled roads and byways. Both beginner and intermediate riders will enjoy the challenge of the hills and curves that this route offers.
Want to keep riding? Once you have looped back to Hudson Mills Metropark, continue along Huron River Drive to visit our destination town of Dexter.

55 Miles
Manchester Destination Route (7:30*)
Experience the beauty and challenge of southeastern Washtenaw County! Rolling hills and farmlands make this route both an interesting and fun ride for intermediate to experienced riders. The charming and welcoming village of Manchester is the route’s halfway point, where you can stop to take in sights and sounds of this riverside community. To make this a shorter 40-mile route, riders can by-pass Manchester.

 
* Group start time for each ride — for riders who wish to
meet others and ride in pairs or small groups.

 

 

EcoRide 2003 #2Click here for information on Ecology Center membership.
 

On-site, pre-ride tune-up by Two Wheel Tango and sag support provided by Wheels in Motion.

 

 


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