Pedal to the Park trail ride highlights local recreation opportunities in Bay City
Contact: Valerie Blaschka, 989-667-0717 or Ed Golder, 517-335-3014 Agency: Natural ResourcesSept. 18, 2013
Bay City State Recreation Area is preparing for its annual "Pedal to the Park" trail ride on Saturday, Sept. 28.
This 7.5-mile bike ride (15 miles round trip) starts at at the Saginaw Bay Visitor Center, located inside Bay City State Recreation Area at 3582 State Park Drive in Bay City, and ends at the Tobico Marsh. Participants can stop at "Rec 101 Brake Stations" along the way to learn about local recreation opportunities. In the past, activities have included ultimate Frisbee, dog training, bike maintenance, archery, birding and more. Receive a stamp at each brake station on your "Pedal Passport" (available at registration) to receive a Jr. Ranger patch at Bay City State Recreation Area.
Pedal to the Park is part of Michigan Trails Week, Sept. 21-28, a weeklong celebration of Michigan's motorized, non-motorized and water trails. Michigan Trails Week ends on National Public Lands Day when Michigan state parks will offer free vehicle admission and many volunteer opportunities. Visit www.mi.gov/trailsweek to see a full listing of Michigan Trails Week events.
Registration for Pedal to the Park will take place from 8:30-10:30 a.m. on the day of the event at the the Saginaw Bay Visitor Center. The first 100 participants will receive a free water bottle.
Bike rentals will be available near the registration tent from Ray's Bike Shop in Bay City, or participants can bring their own bikes. Helmets are highly recommended. To reserve a bike in advance, please call 989-892-7516.
For more information on this event, stop by the Saginaw Bay Visitor Center or call 989-667-0717.
The Recreation Passport is an easy, affordable way for residents to enjoy and support outdoor recreation opportunities in Michigan. By checking "YES" for the $11 Recreation Passport ($5 for motorcycles) when renewing a license plate through the Secretary of State (by mail, kiosk, online at www.expresssos.com or at branch offices), Michigan motorists get access to state parks, recreation areas, state forest campgrounds, nonmotorized state trailhead parking and state boat launches. In addition, Recreation Passport holders can enjoy real savings at businesses and retailers that participate in the Passport Perks discount program. The Recreation Passport is valid until the next license plate renewal date. Nonresidents can purchase the Recreation Passport ($30.50 annual; $8.40 daily) at any state park or recreation area or through the Michigan e-Store at www.michigan.gov/estore.
Learn more about this creative way of sustaining Michigan's outdoor recreation and natural resources at www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport. For information on Passport Perks shopping discounts or how businesses and retailers can enroll in the program, visit www.michigan.gov/passportperks.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.
