News
August 1, 2019Carey Institute’s Helderberg Brewery Announces Fourth Annual Rensselaerville Ride
The Carey Institute for Global Good’s Sustainable Communities Program and Helderberg Brewery, in collaboration with the New York Bicycling Coalition (NYBC), will be hosting the fourth annual Rensselaerville Ride as a part of its Hilltowns Alive agritourism event series. This year’s routes include a 30-mile ride through the town of Rensselaerville’s five hamlets and a shorter 17-mile ride through the hamlets of Rensselaerville and Medusa. There is also a free, 3-mile Fun Ride open to all.The event will take place at the Helderberg Brewery Taproom located at 26 County Route 353, Rensselaerville, NY.
New this year is a “Share the Road” campaign, with a goal of promoting safe riding and road sharing practices on rural roads. The campaign will include a bike safety lecture presented by NYBC. Informational brochures will be available to take home, as well as special event T-shirts for riders and road signage to help raise awareness of road sharing practices and laws.
“Our goal with the Rensselaerville Ride has always been to showcase the wonderful cycling opportunities in Rensselaerville and the Albany County Hilltowns,” says Sustainable Communities Program Manager, Rebecca Platel. “But, unless you are an experienced cyclist, riding the roads out here can feel inaccessible and unsafe. The nature of our hilly landscape adds an additional layer of difficulty. Efforts to promote shared roadways and cycling for health, recreation and transportation typically focus more on urban areas and do not often reach rural communities. This year we are expanding the goal of the Ride to include the ‘Share the Road’ campaign.”
“Since 1990, NYBC has been New York State’s only statewide bicycle advocacy organization and continues to work tirelessly towards improving bicycle safety for bike riders all over the State. We are thrilled to be a collaborator in the 4th Annual Rensselaerville Ride’s ‘Share the Road’ theme,” says NYCH Director, Kyle Hatch. “We understand that in order to improve bicycle safety in New York, riders must feel comfortable riding on all types of roadways, and that begins with understanding their rights to the road and safe riding practices. We invite riders and the public to join before the ride for a brief discussion on bicycle safety so we can all enjoy New York’s amazing bicycling opportunities with confidence.”
After the ride, the Helderberg Brewery Taproom will host an after party, open to the public, featuring local food, beverages and music. Helderberg Brewery will be serving craft beers and other beverages, Kuhar Family Farm Café will have an array of locally sourced food options and live music will be played by the Red Haired Strangers. VanWinkle Inn in South Westerlo is offering discounted overnight room rates for riders and attendees.
For full event details, routes, schedule and lodging information, please visit our website events calendar or the registration site at www.bikereg.com/rensselaerville. Riders who register by August 9th will receive a special event t-shirt.
Come Ride the Five and learn more about safe rural road sharing practices at this fun event!
