The Paint Creek Trailways Commission and Friends of the Paint Creek Trail are hosting the 5th Annual Paint Creek Crawl event on Saturday, June 6, 2015 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Encompassing the entire Paint Creek Trail from Rochester to Lake Orion, participants 16 and older will play a “Poker-Style” game, with a prize for best “hand.” In addition all participants are eligible for a Grand Prize $500 Gift Card to Main Street Bicycles! The event starting point will be at Children’s Park in Lake Orion.
The press release stated that this event celebrates the area’s strong cycling tradition. “Last year, we had 175 participants ride the trail to our local business districts. It was a very successful event, raising over $4,500 for trail enhancements. Many people don’t realize that the trail is a great non-motorized transportation corridor, and we love to promote its versatility,” said Trail Manager Kristen Myers. The 8.9-mile Paint Creek Trail has a southern terminus in downtown Rochester, and a northern terminus in the Village of Lake Orion. This year’s event is being held on National Trails Day.
As a fundraiser, all proceeds will benefit future enhancements of the Paint Creek Trail. Future projects include more bike fix-it stations, and the development of the David R. Moutrie Educational Side Path north of Tienken. The cost for the Paint Creek Crawl is $25 until May 23 and $30 thereafter and on-site. To be guaranteed an event wicking shirt, participants must register by Saturday, May 23.
Online registration and printable registration forms are available at www.PaintCreekTrailFriends.org. Forms will also be available the day of the event. Registration and pre-registration check-in begins at 9 a.m. The ride will begin at 9:30 a.m. and end at 12:00 p.m. with a recognition ceremony and prize drawing at Children’s Park, 175 S. Broadway, Lake Orion, MI. Registered participants will receive a free box lunch provided by CJ’s Lakeside Grill in Lake Orion, and a game card for the “Poker-Style” game. Cyclists will stop at five points along the trail to pick a card, and the best hand at the end wins $250. For the safety of participants and other trail users, helmets must be worn while participating in the event.
“We’re so happy to have the overwhelming support of the Rochester and Lake Orion business communities again this year, and we’re excited to bring everyone back to Lake Orion. The riders will enjoy the “Poker-Style” game, while having a great 20-mile round trip ride. In addition, as part of a new Trail Etiquette program, we’ll be handing out free bicycle bells,” said Friends of the Paint Creek Trail President Jim VanDoorn. The Paint Creek Crawl is sponsored by CJ’s Lakeside Grill, ITC, Meijer, St. John Providence Hospital, Main Street Bicycles, Zale Wealth Management, 7:39’ers Bike Club, Flying Rhino Cycling Club, Slow Spokes Bicycle Club, Hollywood Markets, Paint Creek Bicycles, Rick and Maureen Thalmann, Window Pro, Rochester Mills Beer Co, Merial Pharmaceuticals, Fieldstone Winery, FAMS Custom Printing, Paint Creek Outfitters, Goodison Veterinary Center, Flagstar Bank, Paint Creek Cider Mill, and Motor City Brew Tours.
For more information on the Paint Creek Crawl, visit www.PaintCreekTrailFriends.org, www.PaintCreekTrail.org, or call (248) 651-9260.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Paint Creek Crawl
1. What is the Crawl?
The Paint Creek Crawl is a cycling event encompassing the entire trail and business districts from Rochester to Lake Orion. Cyclists will ride from Lake Orion to Rochester and back, and receive a box lunch. They will also be entered into a drawing for a $500 gift card to Main Street Bicycles. A Poker-Style game will be played along the way. Cost is $25 until May 23, $30 thereafter. Cost includes lunch, and a wicking shirt (must register by May 23 to be guaranteed a shirt) Registration opened on April 15, 2015.
2. Do I have to wear a helmet?
Yes.
3. Can I attach a child’s carrier to my bike and take them with me?
Yes. However, the event is designed for people 16 and older, due to the length of the ride. We do not recommend children younger than 16 participate.
4. What is the money raised used for?
The money raised will fund trail improvements such as drinking fountains, bike fix-it stations, restrooms, interpretive displays, etc. Recently, the Friends were able to purchase a drinking fountain that was installed near Tienken Road.
5. What is the goal of the event, besides fundraising?
We want to encourage everyone to use the trail as a non-motorized transportation corridor, and showcase how easy it is to visit our local businesses and restaurants. We also are rolling out our Paint Creek Trail Etiquette Program, to encourage people to be courteous while on the trail. Lastly, it’s also a great way to incorporate exercise in everyday activities!
6. Who is in charge of the event?
This is a Paint Creek Trailways Commission event. The event is organized, staffed and managed by the Friends of the Paint Creek Trail volunteers.
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