FRANKLIN LAND TRUST WILL BE CONDUCTING a D2R2 Road Cycling Event — their 14th anniversary fundraiser/ride — in the Hawley environs this Saturday, August 17. From the Land Trust publicity materials:
♦ Each August thousands of bicyclists descend on Franklin County to participate in the nation’s largest dirt-road cycling event, the Deerfield Dirt Road Randonnée. Hosted by Franklin Land Trust, last year the ride attracted cyclists from 26 states and 5 countries.
♦ The courses will use the narrowest, oldest, twistiest, quietest, and most-scenic roads available.
♦ A range of courses will provide access to novices as well as challenge the world’s strongest riders.
♦ D2R2 will never offer prizes for anything other than gags, nor will finish results ever be presented like it was a race.
♦ The course is not marked. Riders will use cue sheets to navigate the route. Official RideWithGPS routes will also be available.
♦ Riders shall cover the course in a self-sufficient manner, without motorized crew vehicles.
♦ The organization will put as much effort into its food offerings as it does the ride itself.
♦ D2R2 is a key fundraiser for the Franklin Land Trust’s efforts.
One of the Land Trust rides proceeds through East Hawley, primarily along East Rd. The other loops through West Hawley: Forge Hill Rd., Middle Rd., Hallockville Rd., and West Hawley Rd.
PLEASE BE AWARE OF RIDERS ON HAWLEY ROADS ON SATURDAY.