The Paint Creek Trailways Commission and Friends of the Paint Creek Trail are hosting the 4th Annual Paint Creek Crawl event on Saturday, June 7, 2014 from 9 a.m.-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 Paint Creek Bicycles! The event starting point will be at Children’s Park in Lake Orion.
This event celebrates the area’s strong cycling tradition. “Last year, we had 130 participants ride the trail to our local business districts. It was a very successful event, raising over $2,500 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. The next project is the purchase and installation of a new water fountain at the Tienken Road trailhead, a Bike-Fixit station in Lake Orion, and the development of new parking facilities in Oakland Township. The cost for the Paint Creek Crawl is $25 until May 23 and $30 thereafter and on-site. To be guaranteed an event T-Shirt, participants must register by Friday, 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 8 a.m. The ride will begin at 9 a.m. and end at 12 p.m. at Children’s Park, 175 S. Broadway, Lake Orion, MI 48362. 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 to Lake Orion. The riders will enjoy the “Poker-Style” game, while having a great 20 mile round trip ride. We enjoy promoting the trail as a great place to cycle, walk, and incorporate exercise into a healthy lifestyle,” said Friends of the Paint Creek Trail President Jim VanDoorn. The Paint Creek Crawl is sponsored by CJ’s Lakeside Grill, Paint Creek Bicycles, 7:30’ers Bike Club, Rochester Mills Beer Co, Dr. Ronald Fried Chiropractic and Wellness Center, Fieldstone Winery, FAMS Custom Printing, Trekt Outdoors, Goodison Veterinary Center, Flagstar Bank, Paint Creek Cider Mill, Crossfit Inclusive, Fitness 19, Motor City Brew Tours, and Friends of Dinosaur Hill.
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 Paint Creek Bicycles. A Poker-Style game will be played along the way. Cost is $25 until May 23, $30 thereafter. Cost includes lunch, and a T-Shirt (must register by May 23 to be guaranteed a T-Shirt) Registration will be open on Tuesday, April 15, 2014.
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 their first amenity for the trail – a bike fix-it station located at the Paint Creek Cider Mill. Our next one will be installed in Lake Orion
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. It’s also a great way to incorporate exercise in every day 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.
All the information contained in this press release was provided by the Paint Creek Trailways Commission.
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