Shawano Pathways’ fifth annual Bike the Barn Quilts Ride will take place Sept. 30.
The event features bikes rides ranging from 5 to 70 miles and a 5-kilometer run/walk. All events are designed to be recreational and family friendly. All skill levels are encouraged to participate.
The 40- and 70-mile rides begin at 8 a.m. All other rides start at 9 a.m. with five-minute intervals. The run/walk will begin at 9:30 a.m.
All bike rides start and end at Memorial Athletic Park, 909 S. Lincoln St., in downtown Shawano. Participants are encouraged to stay after returning to the park to enjoy vendors, mini-quilts and other sales items.
The $25 registration fee includes continental breakfast, participation incentive, lunch, maps, signed routes, food and water stations, support vehicles and music. There is also a registration rate for families.
Participants will also be able to purchase an exclusive Shawano Pathways bike jersey before and at the event. Additionally, this year’s raffle will feature a Cannondale Quick 8 bicycle donated by Tower Clock Eye Center, a “garage” barn quilt and bike jersey. Raffle tickets are available for purchase at any upcoming Shawano Pathways event as well as from Bike the Barn Quilts volunteers.
Each ride will feature many of the over 300 barn quilts in Shawano County. Depending on the bike ride chosen, participants will view three to 30 quilts. New this year is a 17-mile route that will take riders through farmland and along some of Shawano County’s waterways.
The 5K walk/run will be along the Mountain Bay Trail. Similar to the bike rides, the route will feature mini-quilts for runners and walkers to enjoy. The mini-quilts, which can be viewed at www.shawanopathways.org, will be available for auction before and after the event. Proceeds from the sales will go to support three local organizations: SAM25, The Boys and Girls Club, and Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Shawano Pathways is working to give the community enhanced transportation choices by developing a network of on-street and off-street bicycle facilities. Bike the Barn Quilts, which encourages people to get out and enjoy the trails and outdoor recreational opportunities in Shawano County, is the organization’s premier event.
For information and registration, visit www.shawanopathways.org.