The eighth annual Clinton River Trail Fall Classic will be held Saturday, September 29. The purpose of this family-friendly, non-competitive ride (walk option available) is to introduce participants to the exceptional natural beauty and amenities found along the Clinton River Trail.
The event is one of the many Pure Michigan events celebrating Michigan’s vast and varied network of trails during Michigan Trails Week, September 23-29. The Fall Classic is coordinated by the Friends of the Clinton River Trail, a volunteer organization working to develop and improve the trail for all users.
The trail passes through five cities in the middle of Oakland County: Rochester, Rochester Hills, Auburn Hills, Pontiac and Sylvan Lake. On-site registration and trailhead for the event is Riverside Park at the corner of Auburn and Squirrel in downtown Auburn Hills. Registration opens at 8:30 a.m. with complimentary bagels and coffee. Parking is available at the park or at several locations in the immediate area. There are several route options from five to 40 miles. For walkers there is a 5k walk on a route not competing with the ride.
New this year, a route to the west will be available, taking riders through Pontiac, over Telegraph Road on the new trail bridge and into Sylvan Lake. This route will use lead riders to negotiate provisional trail aspects through Pontiac. The longer routes include connection to the Macomb Orchard Trail on the east end of the CRT. Rest stops will be available near end points of the CRT. Lunch is between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Riverside Park for all participants.
Exhibits are provided by many Fall Classic sponsors, which include Volkswagen Group of America, ITC, Meijer and 7 South Consulting Inc. Presenting sponsors are American Cycle & Fitness, Cycletherapy Bicycles, DTE Energy, Genisys Credit Union, Hi-Tech Mold & Eng. Inc., Letica Corporation, Main Street Bicycles East Inc., Outdoor Action Company, Republic Services/Allied Waste, Rochester Bike Shop, Sam’s Club – Waterford, 7:39ers Bicyclist Group, Slow Spokes Bicycle Club and Veolia Environmental Services. Additional sponsors are identified in the event brochure as well as the Friends of the Clinton River Trail web site. Their support is greatly appreciated as is the assistance of all the cities through which the trail passes.
Registration is $20 for individuals and $50 for families (up to four per household, intended for parents and children). In order to obtain an event t-shirt, registration must be received no later than September 10 whether online or by mail. Registration on the day of event is $25 individual, $55 family, but no free t-shirt will be provided. A limited number of t-shirts will be available for purchase.
For more information or to register online, visit clintonrivertrail.org.
