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Bike-Walk Alliance of NH ==
In review: Seacoast Tour de Forts, Sunday, May 16, 2010
Summary:
The first annual Seacoast Tour de Forts as hosted by Great Bay Services and BWA-NH proved to be a day of spectacular weather, great scenery, lots of historic places to view in addition to the forts -- and some 35 people who did not want to see the day come to an end. The actual 18-mile bike tour went smoothly then an optional visit to Fort Stark was taken by about half the group. Even participants who lived in the Portsmouth area for years learned a lot about what is in their backyard. For next year we plan more publicity, solicit more helpers, take a lunch break earlier, and include Fort Stark as part of the basic tour route.
A few photos and a video of the tour were taken by Alex Woodle. Enjoy!
Tour de Forts photos (taken with an iPhone, posted on Picasa)
Tour
de Forts video (as posted on YouTube)
Details as previously posted:
Bike, walk, and talk along the waterfront
Everyone knows about all the fundraiser bike rides, challenges, and tours along the New Hampshire and Maine seacoasts, but do you know what you are passing? Do you wish to pedal less, see more, and learn a lot about the waterfront? How about a leisurely and supported 18 mile bike ride with time to walk around inside the forts and have someone explain some interesting history of the Portsmouth Harbor area?
This first annual Seacoast Tour de Forts is aimed at families and casual cyclists - or cyclists who care to stop drafting and shift down from their 104" gear. Cycling speed and endurance are not expected, nor pledge sheets or huge registration fees. Just bring a well-maintained bike, wear a helmet, take some water and a snack, and enjoy this unique tour for just $25.00 per cyclist. Children in trailers, baby seats, and Tag-Alongs are free. Proceeds are to benefit the Bike-Walk Alliance of NH and Great Bay Services of Newington NH. (Details below.)
To register on-line, click here. Walk-ins are welcome but on-line registration may be easier for everyone.
Details:
Our starting point is the Great Island Common on Route 1-B (301 Wentworth Road), New Castle, NH. Registration and bike checks will start at 9:00 AM with the actual tour starting at 10:00 AM. Water and rest rooms will be available. We will bike, walk, and talk along a very scenic and historic route that includes five forts, the Memorial Bridge, Prescott Park, Strawbery Banke, picnic areas, and many old homes dating back to the 1600's. This leisurely Sunday tour from 9 AM to 4 PM on May 16, 2010 is planned to be fun, educational, and entertaining while viewing some spectacular scenery along the seacoast.
The route goes from New Castle Island NH to Gerrish Island ME and back. See the map and cue sheet for details. It is planned to be easy for families and casual cyclists. We will bike from fort to fort with time to walk and explore each location. Several "history buffs" will present some brief but fascinating facts along the way. Valet bike parking service will guard your bikes while touring the forts. Water and snack items will be provided and emergency bicycle repair service will be rendered by Bicycle Bob's Bike Shop in Portsmouth.
And no pledge sheets or large donations are expected! All participants are requested to pay a flat $25.00 fee for the tour and all services. Proceeds will benefit the many programs for people with developmental disabilities provided by Great Bay Services in Newington, an organization that goes back some 55 years. Their partner for arranging this "Seacoast Tour de Forts" is the Bike-Walk Alliance of NH, the only statewide bicyclist and pedestrian advocacy and education organization with roots going back to 1971 when the Granite State Wheelmen bicycling club was formed. Together we wish to offer a unique and low-key experience for those wishing to explore some of the historic waterfront in a leisurely manner. For more information about these organizations, please view this BWA-NH web site and the Great Bay Services web site at www.greatbayservices.org.
For more information about the "Seacoast Tour de Forts", call Stu Simon at Great Bay Services, 603.436.2014 x23. For info about the Bike-Walk Alliance of NH, call Dave Topham, 603.898.9926. To register on-line for the tour, click here. Walk-in registrations will be accepted on May 16 but on-line registration is easier for everyone. Remember, just $25.00 per rider; children in trailers, Tag-Alongs, or baby seats are free. All payments are tax deductible to the extent allowed per IRS 501(c)(3) guidelines. No rain date, and no refunds are allowed.
We look forward to seeing you on May 16!