Friends of the Chemung River Watershed
Get your kids off the couch and onto a bike for exercise and nature’s scenery in a guided mountain bike ride along the Chemung River.
The Sat., Oct. 3 ride is part of an international “Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day,” sponsored by the International Mountain Biking Association.
Elmira-area kids can be part of the free event in a guided ride sponsored by the Friends of the Chemung River Watershed. The 7-mile-long ride starts and ends at Pirozzolo Park behind the Elmira town hall 1255 W. Water St.
Registration is at 8:30 followed by the ride from 9-11 a.m. Bring a water bottle and ride comfortable and supportive shoes or sneakers.
“Childhood obesity and poor health are big problems in America, and this is a great way to give kids exercise and put them in touch with nature,” says Jim Pfiffer director of the River Friends. “It’s also an ideal opportunity for kids and parents to do something enjoyable together.”
It’s not a race, but a leisurely ride along the beautiful hard-packed dirt river trails along the Chemung River. The riders will also learn a about the history and culture of the river.
The ride is not for beginner cyclists. While the trails are mostly level and easy, some steep inclines and obstacles can be hazardous for inexperienced riders. All cyclists must have mountain bikes and wear helmets. Kids 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
All youth riders will receive free stickers, energy bars and other cycling-related gifts, donated by the International Mountain Biking Association.
The cyclists will join thousands of other riders around the world in the daylong event that celebrates the life of Jack Doub, an avid teenage mountain biker from North Carolina who died in 2002.
For more information and to register, contact Tom Trifoso (607) 733-6798 or e-mail at tomtrifoso@yahoo.com.
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