CLEARFIELD – Plans are well underway for the Second Annual Tour De Parks Bike Ride on May 17, hosted by and benefiting the Clearfield Arts Studio Theatre. The ride, through scenic Elliott State Park and Parker Dam State Park, will start at SB Elliot State Park which has the distinction of being the highest point on Interstate 80 East of the Mississippi. SB Elliott State Park is in Clearfield County off state Route 153 just north of Exit 111 of I-80, nine miles north of Clearfield.
“We had our First Annual TOUR DE PARKS Bike Ride in early May last year,” said John McBride, Bike Committee Chairman and CAST Board President. “We had a really good turnout and had a great time. We’re hoping that the weather will be a little warmer since this year’s ride is
a little later in the month. People are excited about the ride and our website is getting a lot of hits so we’re looking forward to even more riders this year.”
There are four ride options. One begins at 12 Noon and is approximately 38 miles, one begins at 12:30 p.m. and is approximately 22 miles, one begins at 1:00 p.m. and is approximately 16 miles and one begins at 1:30 p.m. and is approximately 5 miles.
The pre-registration fee (by April 30) is $15.00 for adults and $10.00 for children under 16 years of age. Those who pre-registered are guaranteed a ride T-shirt. Registration forms can be downloaded from the CAST Web site and taken to the CAST office at 112 E. Locust Street in downtown Clearfield or mailed to CAST, P O Box 613, Clearfield PA 16830. Registration forms are also available at the CAST Building or various locations throughout the area, from Bike Committee members or by calling the CAST office at 814 765-4474. Riders can, of course, also register at the registration table at the park the day of the ride. The Day of Ride Registration Fee will be $20.00 for adults and $12.00 for those under age 16. The Registration and Check In Table will open at 11:00 am. Checks should be made payable to CAST. Registration fees are non-refundable.
For safety reasons helmets must be worn by all riders. All riders under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult and all riders under 18 must
have their parent sign a waiver for them to ride. The ride will go regardless of weather. The ride will take place on dirt and gravel roads through the Moshannon State Forest. Lawrence Township Fire Police will be on hand and volunteers will be patrolling the roads in case any assistance is needed.
Rest stops will be available throughout the ride and food and drinks will be provided at rest stops.
Riders may have sponsors if they wish although this is optional. The three riders collecting the most sponsorship money will be eligible for prizes. Sponsorship money will be collected at check-in on ride day.
All entrants are eligible to win a 19 inch Insignia High Definition flat screen LCD TV/DVD COMBO.
The Clearfield Arts Studio Theatre (CAST), a non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization, is the area’s home for the arts. CAST is open year round with live theatre productions, special performance events, an annual mystery dinner and young people’s summer theatre workshops. Also available at CAST are private lessons in piano, guitar and acting, as well as classes in dance, baton, gymnastics and guitar.
Anyone with questions about the bike ride is welcome to call the CAST office at 765-4474 or email CAST at cast@clearnet.net.
