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Welcome to the 6th annual BikeFest Tour of the Valley

A great thanks to all that came out to enjoy BikeFest 2012. BikeFest 2013 will happen on September 21, 2013 at Look Park so mark your calendars! You can view some great photos from the 2012 BikeFest here.

Come out to enjoy the stunning fall foliage, dairy farms, and quaint villages of the Pioneer Valley, the heart of New England cycling, then stay for the gourmet food, beer, live music and entertainment.  BikeFest is the most fun you can have on or off a bike!

And to thank YOU for being a cyclist, rides, lunch and party are only $20-$50 inclusive at early-bird rates.  

Tour of the Valley entrance fee includes fully supported ride with SAG, rest stop food, a post-ride gourmet BBQ lunch buffet with local craft beers, entertainment featuring the music  of The Art Steele Band, a pro BMX stunt show from Team East and other surprises.  High quality, advertising-free T-Shirts are available for purchase while supplies last $15.

All proceeds benefit Steph’s Wild Ride, The Northampton Education Foundation and the Northampton Cycling Club, a 501c3.

Ride amenities include:

- Rides start en-mass with lead out from Look Park Ranger’s vehicle.
- Motorized SAG with mechanical support provided for ALL rides.
- Easy to follow course marking system with distinctive stencil.
- Same great ride routes as 2011 with a few minor improvements.
- Gourmet post-ride BBQ catered be Rob Watson from the Lone Wolf of Amherst
   featuring pulled pork, jambalaya, plenty of fresh veggies and other delights.
- Up to three craft beers included free with your lunch.
- Post ride festival including live music from the Art Steele Band, a pro BMX stunt show, kids races, a bike
   friendly expo and much more

BikeFest ’13 and Tour of the Valley Schedule of Events

The BikeFest Tour of the Valley features five, fully supported rides designed for all levels.
All rides start and end at Look Park, Northampton, MA
Ride Starts:
6:15 a.m. registration for rides opens
7:00 a.m. Tour of the Valley Century – 104 mile ride departs
8:45 a.m.  Tour of the Valley Metric Century – 72 mile ride departs
10:15 a.m. Tour of the Valley Orchard Ride – 45 mile ride departs
11:00 a.m. Tour of the Valley Steph’s Farm Ride – 25 mile departs
11:45 a.m. Tour of the Valley Family Ride — 8 mile ride departs
12:15 riders begin to return to Look Park
Each rides is mass start, but those needing more time may leave early.  Those arriving late may still ride provided they can get back by the close of the festival.

Festival Schedule of events:

12:30 BikeFest free family festival begins:  BBQ Opens for riders, Bike Decorating, Face Painting, Exhibitors Open, Free hot dogs for kids.
12:45 BMX Stunt Show by TEAM East  www.BookTeamEast.com
1:30 The music of the Art Steele Band
2:00 Free Kids Bike Races
5:00 BBQ Closes.  BikeFest ’12 Closes.

All proceeds benefit Steph’s Wild Ride Children’s Cancer Foundation, the Northampton Education Foundation  and the Northampton Cycling Club’s youth and amateur cycling programs.  NCC is registered 501(c)3 charity.

2012 Reviews:

“The most fun I’ve ever had on or off a bike.”  – Clayton
“Spectacular event!  Had a blast.”  – anonymous
“Good company, wonderful finish.”  – Jim, Northampton
“Thank you for a really well run event (72 miler)”  Peter D.
“We drive 100 miles from eastern Mass and trying to get more to come out, the scenic routes and minimum traffic is a bonus” — anonymous
“Just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed the ride.  While I live relatively close, I was introduced to some roads I had not ridden before and enjoyed them immensely.”  – Wilbraham
“Thanks for putting on a great ride and I appreciate all you are doing to promote cycling!”  – Brian C.

 

Kids ride Free: Children 10 years old or younger ride free with a registered parent. Both child and parent must be present at packet pick up.
Please pre-register. Day of registration is an additional $10 (additional $5 for Steph’s Farm and Family rides). Pre-registration closes on 9/21 at 9:00pm.
Note: Look Park imposes a motor vehicle entry fee of $7. Free Parking is available at JFK Middle School on Bridge Road approximately 1/4 mile from the park entrance. Bicycles always enter free.
No refunds will be issued for any reason.

BikeFest Green Event Pledge:

To minimize the environmental impact of BikeFest, food and materials used will be sources locally.  All proceeds from the ride will promote the free, family-oriented, cycling festival promoting cycling to children.  Additional proceeds will support NCC youth and amateur cycling programs, Steph’s Wild Ride Foundation and the Northampton Education Foundation.  NCC is 501(c)3 non-profit.

  • All aid stations provide tap water, energy drink powder, fresh fruit and pbj or bagels to eliminate packaging and transport waste. Compostable cups also provided.
  • BBQ buffet provides biodegradable utensils and plates.
  • No packaged beverages will be served at Look Park BBQ.
  • Ingredients for BBQ buffet are sourced locally as much as possible.
  • All craft beers were brewed locally at Northampton Brewery and High and Mighty Brewery.