2022 Heritage Explorer Bike Tour

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Lackawanna Heritage Valley’s Heritage Explorer Bike Tour is returning in-person to the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail on Saturday, May 21st, showcasing the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail from Carbondale through Fell Township!
The Heritage Explorer Bike Tour has become an annual tradition to promote the development of the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail (LRHT). After more than a year of uncertainty, this year’s event is made extra special, proudly bringing our community together once again along our region’s favorite recreational asset. Cyclists will embark on a 20-mile stretch of a newly-debuted scenic path linking the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail to the D&H Rail Trail this spring.
The event is a fun, family-friendly and noncompetitive event – offering riders of all ages and abilities the chance to ride along the Heritage Trail from Carbondale, past the Stillwater Dam in Uniondale, and to Ararat Township. The event will take place on Saturday, May 21st, beginning at the John Street Trailhead in Carbondale. From kids on tricycles to octogenarians and longer distance cyclists, hundreds of people will enjoy breakfast treats at the YMCA Community Park in Carbondale before heading out on the trail. After completing their ride, lunch will be provided as families join in on other fun and interactive activities.

 

TIMING

8:00AM | Registration opens at the John Street Trailhead and light breakfast is provided

9:00AM | Riders embarking to Ararat Township (40 miles) or Uniondale (22 miles) begin

9:30AM | Riders embarking to Simpson (3 miles) or Forest City (12 miles) begin

11:00AM | Lunch is available

11:00AM | Adaptive Cycling Expo and Prize Raffles

 

PARKING AND LOCATION

We’ll be excited to greet you at the John Street Trailhead on Saturday. The City of Carbondale will offer free event parking at three locations listed in the map below to make it as easy and safe as possible for you to drop off your cars, pick up your bikes and ride! The John Street Trailhead will be our metropolis for the entire day, serving as your registration point, the site of our basket raffles, your spot for a complimentary light breakfast and lunch, and your starting/finish line!

 

BASKET RAFFLE

A number of very generous local businesses and organizations have given back to the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail by donating baskets and prizes to be raffled off at the event. You’ll want to bring a few extra dollars or your credit/debit card for a chance at winning these awesome items! Remember, all money raised benefits the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail!

 

LUNCH

After working up an appetite along the trail, you’re invited to return to the starting line for a catered lunch of sandwiches and goodies beginning at 11:00am. Your numbered bib will serve as your voucher for lunch. Turn in your bib upon arriving back and enjoy a sandwich, chips, a cookie and beverages before enjoying the afternoon festivities.

 

I AM ADAPTIVE CYCLING EXPO

In conjunction with this year’s Heritage Explorer Bike Tour, Individual Abilities in Motion(I AM) will host an Adaptive Cycling Expo at the park. I AM is a local nonprofit that supports individuals with mobility impairments in achieving the highest possible level of life satisfaction by discovering, celebrating and developing individuals’ abilities. The event will give people the chance to learn about adaptive cycling opportunities in NEPA and check out different equipment. Bike-On, an adaptive cycling dealer from Rhode Island, will be at the event with recumbent bikes, handcycles and even some innovative, off-pavement products to try.

**Please note that the trail surface along this section of the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail is mostly gravel.**