Details: 80-Mile Ride

Date: Saturday, August 28, 2010

Time: The start is at 8:30AM. All 80-mile riders will start at Moose Hill Farm, Sharon. Please report to the start location at least 1 hour before the start of the Ride. All riders are required to check in, pick up their registration packets, have their bikes and helmets checked, and hand in their post-ride bags for shipment to Appleton Farms in Ipswich (only one post-ride bag per rider) well in advance of the Ride.
 
Location of the Start: The 80-mile ride will start at Moose Hill Farm, Sharon MA. Please use the main entrance on Moose Hill Street and park as directed by Ride for Green volunteers and staff. Click here for directions to Moose Hill Farm.

The Route: 80-mile, one-day, point-to-point ride from Moose Hill Farm, Sharon, to Appleton Farms, Ipswich. The 80-mile route will take riders through Dover, Wellesley, Weston, Lincoln, Concord, Carlisle, North Billerica, Tewksbury, Andover, Middleton, and Topsfield before arriving at the Route 1A entrance to Appleton Farms (Ipswich, MA). The Ride will pass by some of New England’s most treasured sites, including Walden Pond (home to Henry David Thoreau and his book Walden); Old Manse (home to Ralph Waldo Emerson and the inspiration behind his essay “Nature”); and Old North Bridge (site of the 1775 “shot heard round the world” that marked the beginning of the American Revolution). In addition the Ride will pass by a number of Trustees reservations and has been described as “scenic and rich with New England charm.”

Route Profile/Detail: More than 100 hours of mapping, driving, and riding due diligence were invested in the course to design a route that brings out the best in eastern Massachusetts – rider safety and enjoyment were the top priorities when designing the course. The route is a classic, rolling course that includes many of eastern Massachusetts’ most scenic backroads. It is predominantly tree-lined and also includes several long, open stretches with panoramic views of the countryside and local farmland. There are some quick descents with a few sharp turns, and some short (< 0.5 mile) “pick me up” climbs (6-10% grades) scattered throughout the course, but in general the course is flat-to-rolling, and well-designed for group riding. 
 
Route Marking: The entire course will be marked. All turn points will be marked on the road itself with multiple bright orange arrows. Plenty of lead arrows will be provided to alert riders of an upcoming turn, and arrows will be provided coming out of each turn to signal to riders that they have taken the correct turn. The route will be well marked to eliminate the need for checking GPS systems and route maps – we want riders to focus on riding (not route finding). A hallmark of the Ride for Green is top-notch route marking.

Aid Stations: The 80-mile ride will include one aid station at 35 miles. This aid station will be located at the Old Manse in Concord, MA, and will be stocked with plenty of food and fluids for riders. This includes electrolyte replacement drink (e.g. Gatorade), water, and a variety of foods (e.g. gels and bars, bananas, watermelon, pretzels, etc.). There will be bathrooms available for use. There are also several convenient stores and public parks along the route should riders wish to stretch and refuel at additional locations along the route to Appleton Farms. 

Mechanical Support: Support will be provided by expert technicians at the start of and during the Ride (for riders who need help). That being said, the spirit of the Ride is to be self-sufficient, and all riders should be prepared to change their own flats and address minor mechanical issues on their own. All riders should carry a multi-tool with them as well as two spare tubes, tire wrenches, and air (e.g. a pump or two CO2 cartridges with one inflator to connect to the valve). For riders running tubular tires, we recommend carrying at least two pre-stretched spares and using Tufo tape to accelerate change over time. All riders should carry cell phones with them. A mechanical/roadside support phone number will be provided to all riders in advance of the Ride.

Emergency Medical Support: 911 is our emergency medical support. All riders should carry cell phones with them during the Ride. If you are concerned about water or sweat damage to your phone, we suggest putting your phone in a large zip lock freezer bag and wrapping it up with a rubber band (the phone can then be kept in your bike jersey). Alternatively, you can keep your phone in a bike bag on your saddle. In addition to a charged cell phone, all riders should carry an ID, cash, credit card, and any relevant medical information with them (e.g. a list of pre-existing medical conditions, allergies to medication, etc.). Please be sure to let your Emergency Medical Contact(s) know that they should be accessible by phone on the day of the Ride, and we encourage you to provide them with relevant medical information in advance of the Ride. Your emergency contact information will be included on a wrist band that you will be given the morning of the Ride. This wrist band should be worn for the entire Ride and you will need it to gain admission to the post-ride BBQ at Appleton Farms. 

Fundraising: All 80-mile riders are required to raise a minimum of $400 for The Trustees of Reservations’ land conservation fund. One hundred percent of rider funds raised will go toward local land conservation initiatives managed by The Trustees of Reservations. The fundraising deadline is October 1, 2010. Riders who raise more than $1,500 for The Trustees will achieve “Green Jersey” status, and in addition to receiving special recognition in Trustees publications, “Green Jersey” riders will receive limited edition Trustees garb (e.g. a fleece, blanket, shirt, etc.).

Field: We expect riders to be experienced and well-trained cyclists.

Post-ride BBQ and Beer: The Ride will finish with a family-friendly BBQ at Appleton Farms, Ipswich. Friends, family members, and children are encouraged to attend the post-ride BBQ. There will be plenty of food and family friendly activities for all to enjoy following the Ride. BBQ tickets for riders are included as part of registration, and friends and family members may purchase tickets separately.

Transportation Back to the Start: In the interest of “being green” we encourage riders to carpool back to the start or home with family and friends following the BBQ at Appleton Farms. For those who wish to take the commuter rail back to start or home, the Trustees will be offering a shuttle service to the Ipswich Commuter Rail Station following the BBQ. The Ride will not cover the cost of the commuter rail, however, the shuttle from the BBQ (Appleton Farms) to the commuter rail station will be covered by the Ride. Bicycles are allowed on the commuter trains. Click here to check commuter rail schedules and fares.

Registration Includes:

• 2010 commemorative Ride for Green cycling jersey
• Marked course and laminated cue sheet
• Fundraising support and personal electronic fundraising page to send to friends and family
• Pre-ride breakfast and coffee
• Food and beverages at the aid stations
• Mechanical support (before and during the Ride)
• Post-ride BBQ and beer at Appleton Farms in Ipswich, MA 
• Family / children friendly activities at the post-ride BBQ
• Shuttle to the Ipswich Commuter Rail Station (for those who choose to take the train home)

Additional Information: The Ride for Green is a pioneering, endurance road-cycling event. The spirit of the Ride is to be self-sufficient. Plenty of support will be provided during the Ride, but each rider is ultimately responsible for him/herself, and each rider should be prepared to complete the Ride with little or no support. Tandem bicycles and recumbent bicycles are not permitted, and we strongly recommend against the use of hybrid bicycles or mountain bicycles (including those outfitted with slick tires). So get your road bikes ready and we look forward to riding with you! Together we will inspire a greener, healthier, and more sustainable future.