Ride for the River – AsRA

ELIZABETHTOWN, NY – The Ausable River Association (AsRA) announces its first annual Ride for the River bike ride and invites residents and visitors to join in on Sunday, September 16.

Ride for the River is a 37-mile scenic bike ride to:

·         Raise awareness of issues affecting the Ausable River’s vital natural resources;

·         Have fun in the beautiful Eastern Adirondacks by following the river from headwaters to lake; and

·         Raise funds for the Ausable River Association (www.ausableriver.org), a local organization that stewards the watershed’s resources and connects communities around protection of the river.

Ride for the River (www.ridefortheriver.org) will start near the source of the Ausable East Branch by the Ausable Club and follow the gentle path of the river valley to conclude with a picnic on the Main Stem at the famous Ausable Chasm. For the more adventurous, a ride back to start will accomplish a total of 74 miles. The Ride has an intermediate grade along the river and is entirely on state roads, the majority of which have wide shoulders. A portion of this route is used in the Ironman Lake Placid Triathlon.

“We’re so lucky to get to live and play in this beautiful river valley spanning high mountains and river lowlands,” said AsRA Executive Director, Corrie Miller. “This Ride will be a chance to honor all that the River provides – clean water, exceptional recreational opportunities, a healthy ecosystem, and an aesthetic beauty unrivaled.”

AsRA Board of Director Bradley Knapp of Keeseville, who inspired the organization to establish the Ride, said “I love biking this route and have dreamed of this day for years. I think my friends and neighbors along the way will celebrate the river through this event, and support the organization that makes it possible for us to enjoy a healthy ecosystem right in our backyards.”

The Ausable River Association is a non-profit, community-supported organization that works cooperatively with landowners, municipalities, other organizations, and government agencies to protect the wild, scenic, and recreational resources of the Ausable Watershed. Members live in communities throughout the watershed as well as visit from afar; they hold in common a love for this valley. The Ausable River is nationally known for its trout fishery, spectacular scenery, and exceptional recreational opportunities. AsRA has been stewarding the river and its watershed since 1998. A small, professional staff, dedicated board, and numerous volunteers work to address threats to water quality and river ecology through community education, collaboration, and by implementing effective restoration, monitoring, and stewardship projects.

Ride for the River has received strong sponsorship support to date from businesses active in the community. These include, from Keene: ADK Café, Adirondack Realty, Arbonne Consultant Angie Cook, The Birch Store, Kathy Gagnon & Associates Real Estate, LeepOff Cycles, and Valley Grocery; from Lake Placid: Engel & Volkers Lake Placid Real Estate, Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort, Jones Outfitters, and Placid Planet Bicycles; from Jay: Brookside Motor Inn and Young’s Studio & Gallery; from Wilmington: Alpine Country Inn & Suites, AuSable River Two Fly Shop, Hungry Trout Fly Shop & Resort, Lake Everest Diner Pizza, and Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA;  from Keeseville: Ausable Chasm, Keeseville Pharmacy, Moore’s Concrete & Flatworks, and Pepsi; and from beyond: Price Chopper Plattsburgh and Raw Revolution.

Sponsors help cover the cost of organizing the Ride; additional sponsors are sought. AsRA thanks these sponsors and encourages supporters to patronize these businesses and express appreciation for generous sponsorship support.

Nearly one year ago, Tropical Storm Irene had devastating effects on the watershed communities and ecosystems. One hundred percent of proceeds from Ride for the River support the Ausable River Association’s work to protect, enhance, and restore these resources. All donations are tax-deductible. The public is welcome to join in the Ride and AsRA’s work.

For more information or to register, visit:  www.ridefortheriver.org.

This entry was posted on August 28, 2012 at 11:45 am and is filed under . You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.