Updated Schedule for National Bike Month Released

Submitted by Bike Walk Simsbury

Simsbury is celebrating National Bike Month in May by hosting a packed agenda of exciting bicycle rides and activities – most of which are free – for all ages and skill levels, organized by Bike Walk Simsbury. Named in 2010 as the only Bicycle-Friendly Community in Connecticut by the League of American Bicyclists, Simsbury’s motto is “Everyone Rides.” 

There are nearly two dozen free, bicycle rides scheduled during May that start or end in Simsbury, led by experienced riders from several cycling groups, non-profit organizations and a bicycle shop. Rides are both on-road and along the trail.

Kicking off National Bike Month on Tuesday, May 1, at 10 a.m., at Simsbury Town Hall, Simsbury First Selectman Mary Glassman will read a proclamation and announce Simsbury Town Hall as a “cycle center” for Simsbury Free Bike, a bike-share program.

Glassman also will discuss one-of-a-kind, Simsbury bike racks, designed by Simsbury metal-artist Vicente Garcia; new “Share-the-Road” signs; and “sharrows” that will be painted  along a 14-mile, on-road loop through town.

Voters and non-voters as well will be invited to join her on “Tour de Mary: A Ride with Mary Glassman” on May 16, at 4:30 p.m., Simsbury Town Hall. This will be a five-mile ride on flat, country roads and the trail.

Other free May events include: A  Kids’ Bike Rodeo on May 6; a Mountain-Bike Stunt Show, also on May 6; an Adult/Teen Bike Education Class on May 8; an East Coast Greenway  Bike-To-Work Ride from Simsbury-Hartford on May 18, and the unveiling of the Simsbury Bike Sculpture on May 19, during ArtWalk Simbury!.

 “We’re so proud of Simsbury’s bicycle-friendly status,” Glassman said. “The trail is a gem that we want to promote and share with cyclists of all ages and abilities.” More than eight miles of The Farmington Canal Heritage Trail/East Coast Greenway run through Simsbury from the Avon and Canton town lines.

“Simsbury also has lovely country roads and an historic town center,” Glassman added. “You don’t have to be an expert rider to hop on a bike, enjoy quality time with family and friends, and engage in healthy exercise.  It’s virtually free if you own your own bike. If not, you can borrow one through Simsbury Free Bike.” 

Some highlights of May activities in Simsbury:

Bicycle rides for beginner, intermediate and advanced cyclists, led by: The Bicycle Cellar, Valley Cycling, Royal Screw Velo Club, Farmington Valley Trails Council, Simsbury Free Bike, and the Thursday-Friday Riders, who lead morning rides.

Unveiling of the one-of-a-kind Simsbury Bike Sculpture, created by Simsbury metal-artist Vicente Garcia. The six-foot-tall sculpture, believed to be the first of its kind in the Northeast, weighs more than 500 pounds and is three times the size of a standard bicycle. Cathy Malloy, Exec. Dir. of Greater Hartford Arts Council, is expected to headline the unveiling ceremony.

A Free Kid’s Bike Rodeo, sponsored by the Simsbury Police Department, with the assistance of The Bicycle Cellar. Children in grades K-6 can have their bicycles and helmets checked for size, and test riding skills on obstacle courses. Simsbury residents can get their bikes registered by police for easier tracking if lost or stolen.

Mountain Bike Stunt Show by National Champion and Professional Stunt Rider Mike Steidley, of East Haven, CT.  Steidley will demonstrate what feats are possible on a mountain bike by performing action-packed, “extreme” stunts on a custom set of obstacles and ramps.

Veterans and Family Ride and Fundraiser, sponsored by CT Adaptive Cycling, based in Simsbury, will sponsor a Veterans’ and Family Ride Fundraiser on May 20, offering persons with disabilities the use of hand cycles or recumbent trikes. 

Simsbury Free Bike, a non-profit, bike-share program that lends bicycles to riders age 18 and over, opens its second season with six “cycle centers,” including Fitzgerald’s Supermarket, Bidwell’s Lawn and Garden, Flamig Farm and Simsbury Town Hall.

Free Bike-Education Class, sponsored by the Town of Simsbury. A certified instructor from Bike Walk CT will teach adults and teens bike safety, etiquette and more.

New “Share The Road” signs and “sharrows” along a 14-mile loop around Simsbury.

“Dust off that bike in the garage and join in the fun,” said Ann Marie Potter,  member of Bike Walk Simsbury, an ad hoc group of advocates, town officials, businesses and others who want to make bicycling and riding safer and more accessible in Simsbury.

 “You can bring your children for a leisurely family ride along the Farmington Valley Greenway  or test your endurance on a 25-mile ride along the back roads of Simsbury,” she said. “Seasoned riders can attach their clips and ride 50-miles to Granville, MA, and back. There’s something for everyone who wants to ride a bike in Simsbury.”

Below is the schedule of May bicycle rides and events, which are free unless otherwise indicated.  Note that helmets are required for all rides. Visit www.bikewalksimsburyct.org for more information.

May 1 – Simsbury Celebrates May as National Bike Month; First Selectman Mary Glassman reads proclamation and announces a packed schedule of rides and events; unveils new bike-rack, created by Simsbury artist Vicente Garcia; announces Simsbury Town Hall as a “cycle center” for Simsbury Free Bike; talks about new “Share-the-Road” signs and “sharrows,” and more.

May 3 – The Bicycle Cellar Family Trail Ride; 6 p.m., The Bicycle Cellar, 532 Hopmeadow St.  10 miles; Easy. All ages welcome.

May 4 – Farmington Valley Trails Council Fun-Ride North; 10 a.m., Commuter Parking Lot in Weatogue. 30-mile, trail ride with option to leave trail for more rolling terrain. Easy/Intermediate, depending on rider’s choice.

May 5 – Valley Cycling Rides; 9 a.m., Iron Horse Blvd. Parking Area. 10, 25, 40 miles; Easy, Intermediate, Advanced. Ride & Yoga Class 4-6pm Valley Yoga
730 Hopmeadow St. E Registration/Fee

May 6 – Free Kids’ Bike Rodeo; 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Commuter Parking Lot, Iron Horse Blvd. Ages K-6th grade. Sponsored by the  Simsbury Police Department. Staff from The Bicycle Cellar will be on hand to check helmets and bicycles for size and safety.  Riders can test their agility, balance and braking skills, register bikes (Simsbury residents only) with the police deparment, and learn about bike safety and bike-maintenance.

May 6 – Mike Steidley Mountain Bike Stunt Show; 1 p.m., Commuter Parking Lot, Iron Horse Blvd. Sponsored by Mitchell Auto Group. Steidley is a nine-time national champion, and professional Trials, Freeride and Stunt Rider who has performed in 23 countries. His “extreme,” action-packed show demonstrates what feats are possible on a mountain bike as Steidley maneuvers a custom set of obstacles and ramps.

May 7 – Valley Cycling Rides; 6 p.m., Iron Horse Blvd. Parking Area. 20, 33 miles; Intermediate, Advanced.

May 8 – Free Bike-Education Class for Adults and Teens, Simsbury Library, Main Meeting Room, Simsbury Library, sponsored by the Town of Simsbury. A certified Bike Walk CT instructor will discuss rules of the road and give safe-biking tips. First hour in main conference room (with bikes); second hour in parking lot, weather permitting.

May 9 – Royal Screw Velo Club Simsbury Ride; 5:30 p.m., Chubb Specialty Insurance Parking Lot, 82 Hopmeadow St. 25 mile, on-road ride around scenic Simsbury and West Simsbury; Easy/Intermediate.

May 9 – Fundraiser at Red Stone Pub for Simsbury Bike Sculpture; 5:30-7:30 p.m.; The Courtyard, 10 Mall Way.  Guest bartenders and a portion of sales go toward sculpture. Donations encouraged.

May 10 – The Bicycle Cellar Granville Ride; 6 p.m., The Bicycle Cellar, 532 Hopmeadow St. 35-40 miles; Intermediate/Advanced.

May 11 – Thursday-Friday Ride; 10 a.m., Iron Horse Blvd. Parking Area. 26 miles; Intermediate.

May 12 – Royal Screw Velo Club Advanced Ride; 9 a.m., Chubb Specialty Insurance Parking Lot, 82 Hopmeadow St. 35-mile, on-road ride to MA and back. Minimum age is 16.

May 16 – Bike Walk to School at Tootin’ Hills School; before school.

May 16 – Tour de Mary: A Ride with Mary Glassman; 4:30 p.m., Simsbury Town Hall. 5-mile ride on trail and country roads with First Selectman; Easy.

May 19 – Paddle & Pedal Simsbury; 10 a.m., Pinchot Sycamore Park. Organized by Farmington River Watershed Association. Canoe or kayak Farmington River, pick-up bike at Curtiss Park, ride solo or join group-ride back to car. Registration and fee.

May 19 – Unveiling of Simsbury Bike Sculpture during ArtWalk Simsbury!, 11 a.m., Simsbury ABC House, Hopmeadow Street. Sculpture created by Simsbury metal-artist Vicente Garcia and is believed to be the only large-scale, bike sculpture in New England, possibly the Northeast. Weighs over 500 pounds, is 3x the size of a standard bicycle and was made from more than 190 pieces of recycled steel.

May 17 – Thursday-Friday Ride; 10 a.m., Iron Horse Blvd. Parking Area. 30 miles; Advanced.

May 18 – National Bike-to-Work Day Events - Simsbury-Hartford East Coast Greenway Ride, 6 a.m.,  The Mill Parking Lot, Tariffville; Simsbury Town Hall Lunch Celebration for employees who bike to work, noon, Town Hall.

May 20 – CT Adaptive Cycling Veteran’s and Family Rides; 9 a.m., CT Adaptive Cycling Shop on Iron Horse Blvd; 15, 25, 50 miles; hand and recumbent trikes available for persons with disabilities. Proceeds to purchase additional bicycles. Easy, Intermediate, Advanced. Registration required.

May 22 – Simsbury Free Bike Sharrows Ride; 6 p.m., Iron Horse Blvd. Parking Area; 14-mile, on-road loop around scenic Simsbury. Easy.

May 24 – Intermediate Ride, organized by The Bicycle Cellar and Royal Screw Velo Club; 6 p.m., The Bicycle Cellar, 532 Hopmeadow St. 35 miles; Intermediate. 

May 31 – The Bicycle Cellar Sharrows Ride; 6 p.m., The Bicycle Cellar, 532 Hopmeadow St.; 14-mile, on-road loop around scenic Simsbury. Easy.

June 2 – Trails-in-Motion Ride, organized by Farmington Valley Trails Council, 8 a.m., Iron Horse Blvd. Parking Area; 10, 30, 50, 60 miles

Each of the groups participating in May events organize regular rides throughout the season and the East Coast Greenway Simsbury-New Haven monthly “Sunday Rides” begin on June 3.