The Paint Creek Trailways Commission and Friends of the Paint Creek Trail are hosting the 3rd Annual Paint Creek Crawl event on Saturday, May 18, 2013 from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Encompassing the entire Paint Creek Trail and business districts from Rochester to Lake Orion, participants 16 and older will play a “scavenger hunt-style” game, collecting unique “stamps” from various locations to be entered in a prize drawing. The Grand Prize is a $500 Gift Card to Rochester Bike Shop!
This event celebrates the area’s strong cycling tradition. “Last year, we had 150 participants ride the trail and into the downtown areas to collect their stamps. It was a very successful event, raising over $4,500 for trail enhancements. Many people didn’t realize how many great stores and restaurants there are so close to the trail,” 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.
As a fundraiser, all proceeds will benefit future enhancements of the Paint Creek Trail. Last year, a new Bike Fix-it Station was purchased and installed at the Paint Creek Cider Mill with part of the funds raised. The next project is the purchase and installation of a new water fountain at the Tienken Road trailhead. The cost for the Paint Creek Crawl is $25 until May 15 and $30 thereafter and on-site. To be guaranteed an event T-Shirt, participants must register by May 7. Online registration and printable registration forms are available at both www.paintcreektrail.org and www.paintcreektrailfriends.org. Forms will also be available the day of the event. Registration and pre-registration check-in begins at 8:00 a.m. and the ride will begin at 9:00 a.m. at the Paint Creek Cider Mill, 4480 Orion Road, in Oakland Township. This year, it will end at the Rochester Mills Beer Co, 400 Water Street in Rochester around 12:00 p.m. Registered participants will receive a passport to collect the stamps, and there will be a prize drawing between 12:15 to 12:30 p.m. In addition to the Grand Prize, many other great prizes and coupons have been donated by local businesses. 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 business community again this year. The riders enjoy the “scavenger hunt” style game, while the businesses enjoy an increase in awareness and foot traffic. We enjoy promoting the trail as a non-motorized transportation corridor connecting people with our communities and local businesses,” said Friends of the Paint Creek Trail President Jim VanDoorn.
The Paint Creek Crawl is sponsored by Rochester Mills Beer Co, Dr. Ronald Fried Chiropractic and Wellness Center, Fieldstone Winery, Rochester Bike Shop, FAMS Custom Printing, Trekt Outdoors, University Dental Associates, and Goodison Veterinary Center.
For more information on the Paint Creek Crawl, visit www.paintcreektrail.org, www.paintcreektrailfriends.org or call (248) 651-9260.
Paint Creek Crawl Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Paint Creek Crawl?
A: The Paint Creek Crawl is a cycling event, utilizing the entire 8.9 mile Paint Creek Trail. The trail connects the two business districts of Rochester and Lake Orion. To showcase the trail as a non-motorized transportation corridor, we demonstrate how you can ride the trail into both areas. We have arranged for local business participation by having many places as “stamping stations”. Each participant rides the trail to Lake Orion and Rochester, stopping at various locations and businesses to receive an ink stamp in their passport. Once the passport is complete, it is brought to Rochester Mills and used for our Grand Prize and door prize drawings. Think of it as a variation of a scavenger hunt!
The event starts at the Paint Creek Cider Mill, 4480 Orion Road, Rochester, MI 48306. It’s at the corner of Gallagher Road. Registration and Pre-Registration check in starts at 8:00am. It will end at Rochester Mills Beer Co, 400 Water Street, Rochester.
Q: Do we have to ride a bike?
A: We recommend the use of a bicycle to participate. However, if you would prefer to walk to one end, and drive to the other, it’s your choice. We don’t care how you obtain the stamps, but we need the completed card back by 12:15pm.
Q: What is the cost?
A: The cost is $25 per rider until May 15th. To be guaranteed an event T-shirt, you must register by May 7th. After May 15th, up to the morning of the event, the cost is $30. You can register online at http://www.paintcreektrailfriends.org or http://www.paintcreektrail.org, or send us a check made out to Friends of the Paint Creek Trail (4393 Collins Road, Rochester, MI 48306), or bring cash. We also accept credit cards on-site.
Q: How will I know where to go?
A: Once you check in at registration, you will be given your passport, with a map and names of the locations to visit. You can visit them in any order you wish!
Q: Are helmets mandatory?
A: Yes, for your safety and the safety of those around you, wearing a helmet is mandatory.
Q: How long do we have to obtain all the stamps?
A: The ride starts at 9:00am. Based on last year’s timeframe, we will have the drawing between12:15-12:30pm.
Q: I see this is a fundraiser. Where does the money go?
A: All proceeds from the event goes to the Friends of the Paint Creek Trail, our non-profit group that supports Paint Creek Trail improvements. Currently, we are raising funds for a new drinking fountain along the trail, interpretive sites, and trail connections. We would also like to improve some of our trailheads along the trail.
Q: Can my children participate in the crawl?
A: Due to the length of the ride, the Paint Creek Crawl is geared for people 16 and up. If you choose to bring a child in a bike carrier, they do not need to register, but they will need to wear a helmet.
About Tom and Ann Gendich