March 15/11 17:50 pm - Tour of the Battenkill Spring Preview Ride

Posted by Editoress on 03/15/11
 

Organizers of the 2011 Tour of the Battenkill cycling race are proud to announce their annual Spring Preview Ride on Sunday, March 20th in Washington County, New York's Battenkill Valley Region.  This non-competitive ride on the challenging, 64-mile course is open to all ages and abilities.  Starting & finishing in the Village of Cambridge, the route features rolling countryside, several dirt roads, covered bridges, and direct passes through the small villages and hamlets in Washington County, NY.

Participants receive full mechanical and vehicle support, maps and cue sheets, marked course, and rest stops with food and beverages.  Day-of registration is available.  Proceeds of the ride will benefit Farm Team Cycling - a regional competitive youth cycling program.  Registration opens at 8:00 am at the Railroad Park across from the Cambridge Hotel on Broad Street.  The ride starts at 10:00 am from Broad Street in Cambridge.

Participants for the Spring Preview Ride may register online at www.tourofthebattenkill.com or by mail to Anthem Sports, P.O. Box 504, Cambridge, NY 12816 by Friday, March 18th. Pre-registration is $30 for individuals and $60 for families of three or more.

The scope of the Tour of the Battenkill - scheduled for April 8-10 in Cambridge - grows again in 2011 with an expanded schedule of events.

The event begins on Friday, April 8th, with a new Cambridge Twilight Criterium to benefit the regional Public Safety Departments.  A new addition to the event, the six corner criterium will feature a limited field of pro/elite men in downtown Cambridge. The Twilight Criterium will be preceded by the 'Ride with the Pros' event for children and families in Cambridge.  In addition, professional racers will again be participating in regional outreach events at local schools and hospitals in the days leading up to the weekend event.

The event expo will begin Friday evening and continue through Sunday afternoon.  A live video broadcast of the race, sports and fitness vendors, local crafts and food, and family activities are all planned as part of the event adjacent to the revamped finish line area near the historic Cambridge Hotel.

Saturday, April 9th, features the non-competitive Cycle for Health Bike Marathon to benefit wounded & disabled Veterans. Cycle for Health is a national charitable organization formed to combat childhood obesity. Pro/Am rider check-in will also be held from 3-6 pm on Saturday.

The competitive Tour of the Battenkill follows the next day on Sunday, April 10th.  More than 2500 participants are already registered for the event known as 'America's Queen of the Classics'.

The complete schedule is available at the event website - www.tourofthebattenkill.com .