Join Matthew Slater For A VIP Indoor Cycling Fundraiser - Apr 28

Sunday, April 28th 1-4pm

SAVE THE DATE SUNDAY, APRIL 28 - 1-4 PM RAISE FUNDS AND HAVE FUN! With Patriots Captain Matthew Slater! You don't want to miss this! We are planning an amazing indoor cycling event to support the Pan Mass Challenge/Dana Farber Cancer Institute. The Fundraising Part - All proceeds will be donated to Phil's Phriends and 100% of all monies raised go directly to the Pan Mass Challenge! The Fun Part - We will be joined by Patriots Captain, Matthew Slater! All riders will get a photo with Matthew and can bring an item for him to sign! And we have an official Super Bowl LI jersey to be raffled off! The Details - Sunday, April 28, from 1-4 PM in our awesome Cycle Zone Studio! Ride the entire three hours or recruit a team and share your ride! Minimum donation is $300 per bike; suggested donation $500. Mark your calendars, make your plans, build your team  and get ready to ride! Watch for more details coming soon! https://www.adirondackclub.com/

The Adirondack Club | 800 Chestnut Street, Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by memberservices@adirondackclub.com in collaboration with Try it free today

Draft Statewide Bicycle Transportation Plan - available for public comment

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is announcing that the Draft Statewide Bicycle Transportation Plan is now available for public comment. You can review the plan and provide feedback by clicking the link below.

2018 Statewide Bicycle Transportation Plan

https://massdot.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapJournal/index.html?appid=c80930586c474a3486d391a850007694

To realize the potential for everyday biking in Massachusetts and underscore MassDOT’s commitment to safety, MassDOT is releasing a new Statewide Bicycle Transportation Plan to make biking in Massachusetts a safe, comfortable, and convenient option for everyday travel.

As part of the Bike Plan, MassDOT developed the Municipal Resource Guide for Bikeability in recognition of the important role the 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts will play. Created for municipal staff, elected officials, community members, and anyone interested in biking, the Resource Guide introduces core concepts to enhance community bikeability and directs readers to additional resources for more detailed information. 

The public comment period for the draft Bicycle Plan is open until January 31, 2019.

https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2018/10/31/18_08_31_MRGBiking.pdf

This was shared from the Mass.gov page
https://www.mass.gov/service-details/bicycle-plan

The bike lane markings painted as part of the Downtown Improvement
project that returned Main St to 2-way travel

NEHSCA Info Night - Tuesday, Dec 4

New England High School Cycling Association NEHSCA Info Night

Middle and High school mountain bike racing has come to New England. Tuesday December 4, 2018 at the Bellingham Public Library the Franklin/Bellingham based team Charles River Rats will be hosting an open house for people to come learn about riding and racing for their 5th - 12th grade kids.

Reach out to coach Rob Rood @ overthesummitcoaching@gmail.com for more information. Stop by at any time to meet the coaches, league officials and team members.


Dec 4, 6 PM - 7 PM

Bellingham Public Library Community Room
100 Blackstone St, Bellingham, MA 02019


Regards,
Rob

Head Coach, Over The Summit Coaching
overthesummitcoaching@gmail.com

OverTheSummitCoaching.com

screen grab from http://nehsca.com/ webpage

Hockomock Area YMCA Hosts 12th Annual Triathlon Sunday, July 22

Swim, bike and ride at the 12th annual Hockomock Area YMCA Triathlon on Sunday, July 22nd at Lake Pearl in Wrentham. Race starts at 8:00 AM (registration is at 6:00 AM) and consists of a ¼ mile swim in Lake Pearl, a 9 mile bike ride, and a 3.1 mile run.

This friendly USAT Sanctioned Sprint triathlon is designed to work for both beginners as well as advanced triathletes.

2017 participants

Great park venue, with all proceeds benefiting the Reach Out to Youth and Families Campaign at the Hockomock Area YMCA. The race will have you enjoying picturesque New England landscapes through quaint Wrentham Center. Bike and run provide moderate hills. The grass transition area is centrally located and easily accessed; each participant will enjoy roomy and secure transition space. This USA Triathlon sanctioned event is limited to 400 registered athletes. We are also proud to be the first paratriathlete-friendly USAT event in New England beginning in 2013 and continuing to this day.

Participants can expect a high-quality race at an affordable price. If space is available, registration will begin at 6:00 AM day of event - Sunday, 7/22. This year the after-race party will be at UNO Pizzeria and Grill in Wrentham located in the Wrentham Village Premium Outlets.

Register online and find more information at https://www.hockymca.org/triathlon. Online registration will close on July 20th at noon. Day of registration will begin at 6:00 AM on Sunday, July 22nd.

All proceeds will benefit the Hockomock Area YMCA’s Reach Out for Youth & Families Annual Campaign which is the primary vehicle in subsidizing confidential scholarship assistance and subsidized programs for youth, individuals and families to have a YMCA experience regardless of ability to pay. Funds raised provide confidential scholarship assistance, giving Y experiences including summer camp, child care and teen programs to local children and families in need.

bike action at the 2017 triathlon

Clinics will also be offered for all registered triathletes on Wednesday, July 11 at 5:30 PM and Saturday, July 14th at 8:00 AM. The clinics will feature an open water stroke clinic, followed by a transition area training and ending with the opportunity to bike the course. Each clinic is $20 per participant. Clinic pre-registration is required by calling 508-695-7001.

About The Hockomock Area YMCA

Where Cause Meets Community. At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility. 

Our YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities we are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information visit hockymca.org.

MBTA: Marathon Monday - Bus, Commuter Rail and Subway notice

Bus, Commuter Rail, and Subway Notice: 

Due to congestion, bikes (including folding bikes) are not allowed on any MBTA vehicles on Patriots' Day, Monday, April 17, 2017.

Last updated: Apr 10 2017 01:33 PM

Click here for more information: http://www.mbta.com/events/
Sent by the MBTA

MBTA Commuter rail will not allow bikes on Monday, Apr 17

Race for a Cause in The 10th Annual Hockomock Area YMCA Triathlon – JULY 24

SUNDAY - JULY 24, 2016

8:00 a.m. START TIME

Lake Pearl Luciano’s - 299 Creek Street, Wrentham, MA 0209

REGISTER NOW

This friendly sprint triathlon returns for its tenth year! The race is welcoming to beginners, youth/junior triathletes and paratriathletes. All proceeds benefit the Reach Out for Youth and Families Campaign. The Y is proud to be the first paratriathlete-friendly race in New England beginning in 2013 and continuing to this day.

Fast Facts

1/4 mile SWIM, 9 mile BIKE, 3.1 mile RUN.

• Swim is in a calm lake, with an in-water wave start.
• Bike and run provide moderate hills through Franklin, Norfolk, and Wrentham.
• Centrally located and easily accessed grass transition area.
• Free tech tee and finisher medals. Top 3 finishers in each category will also be recognized with place medals.
• Club competition with trophy to first place team. Club members are also eligible for individual medals.

CATEGORIES/AGE GROUPS

• Youth: 10-14 (with the permission of the Race Director)
• Junior: 14-19
• Age Groups (Male & Female, 20 years+)
• Clydesdale (Male 200+ lbs)
• Athena (Female 165+)
• Paratriathletes
• Relay Teams (Male, Female, Mixed): 2 or 3 person teams allowed

Race for a Cause in The 10th Annual Hockomock Area YMCA Triathlon – JULY 24

PMC Franklin Kids Ride - Sunday, June 12th

Register now for the 10th annual PMC Franklin Kids ride on Sunday, June 12th. This is a fun, supervised bike ride for kids age 3-14. 

There are 3 routes to choose from plus a bikes and trikes area for the little ones. 100% of all funds raised go to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute through its Jimmy Fund for life saving cancer research and treatment. 

Become a part of this healthy community activity that teaches kids they can make a difference. 

Register to ride or volunteer at http://www.kids.pmc.org/franklin.aspx

the pre-ride group photo from June 2015

MBTA: Commuter Rail notice - bicycle restrictions - Sunday, April 17

Due to Boston Marathon-related events, bikes (including folding bikes) are not allowed on Southside Commuter Rail trains on Sunday, April 17. Affected routes: Framingham/Worcester Line Franklin Line Fairmount Line Providence/Stoughton Line Middleborough/Lakeville Line Kingston/Plymouth Line Greenbush Line Last updated: Apr 16 2016 12:04 PM Click here for more information: http://www.mbta.com/events/

Franklin Line

Indoor Triathlon - Sunday, April 24

The Hockomock Area YMCA will be hosting an indoor triathlon on Sunday, April 24th. 

The segments will include a 15 minute swim, 25 minute bike and 20 minute run. All levels welcome (ages 14+). 

$40 to participate and all proceeds will benefit our Annual Reach Out for Youth and Families Campaign.

To register: https://hockymca.ejoinme.org/MyPages/IndoorTriathlon2016/tabid/756109/Default.aspx

Indoor Triathlon

New Mountain Bike League Forming in Massachusetts

Good Afternoon, 

My name is Rob Rood. I am writing to you because there is a new racing league forming in MA/RI/NH. 

I am the head coach of the team that will cover Bellingham/Franklin. The goal of the league is simple, to grow interest in mountain biking in New England among kids, grades 5-12. The racing is just to add an element of fun into the whole endeavor! 

We are having an info night about the team and the league at the Bellingham Town Library on March 1st @ 5:30pm. Attached is the flyer. (see below)

Would it be possible for you to post the flyer on your site? 

Some more info on the league can be found here http://www.nehsca.com (New England High School Cycling Association) 

We'll be showing a movie called SingleTrack High to the kids and parents https://vimeo.com/95958080

screen grab of  NEHSCA webpage

In the News: rezoning Dean Ave property, fund raising for helmets, host family 'fresh air'

The Town Council Wednesday night discussed rezoning six parcels of land along Dean Avenue to encourage the development of multi-family housing.The land had been zoned for industrial use, said Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting. 

"It's basically the Thompson Press building," he said. "If approved, this would allow for the development of condominiums or apartments."Nutting said the Planning Board recommended the change.

Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News (subscription maybe required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150805/NEWS/150808139/1994/NEWS

After a helmet saved the life of 3-year-old Liam Stoltz last week, he and his family are hoping they can help save the lives of others.Liam escaped serious injury last Thursday morning when a covered trailer he was riding in that was attached to his father’s bicycle was run over by a Jeep Cherokee on Sanford Street in Medway, not far from their Franklin home.

Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News (subscription maybe required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150805/NEWS/150808182/1994/NEWS

For anyone who has ever thought about serving as a host family, the Grahams of Franklin said sharing their home has created a life-long friendship with someone they may not have otherwise crossed paths with. 

“We have gotten as much if not more out of the program than Audrey has,” said Colleen Graham.

Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News (subscription maybe required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150806/NEWS/150808111/1994/NEWS

In the News: Bike week, RFPs issued

Massachusetts will be celebrating bicycling next week, as Bay State Bike Week will be held from May 9 to 17. 

Bicycling organizations, neighborhood groups and local governments are encouraged to host a local event or participate in an existing activity. The events "encourage bicycling as a fun, healthy, safe, and sustainable travel choice," according to a press release from the state Department of Transportation. 

“Our administration is pleased to support Bay State Bike Week and encourages our citizens to participate in local events as a fun and healthy activity for the whole family,” Governor Charlie Baker said in the release. 

Bay State Bike Week is now in its seventh year.

screen grab of Bay State Bike Week webpage

Continue reading the article here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150507/NEWS/150507149/1994/NEWS

For additional information on Bike Week, http://baystatebikeweek.org/

The town has begun soliciting proposals to develop 33 acres off Pond Street after spending more than a month collecting feedback from nearby residents. 

On Wednesday, the Town Council voted unanimously to issue two separate requests for proposals for the town-owned parcels, which are bordered to the west by Interstate 495, to the east by Pond Street, to the south by commercial properties, and to the north by wetlands owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and a residential subdivision. 

Previous attempts to sell the land for economic development have proved unsuccessful. 

The first request seeks developers interested in leasing the land for a solar farm. Already benefiting from a solar array near the Wrentham line, officials expect the developer to have an energy agreement in place with another community or business.

Continue reading the article here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150507/NEWS/150506795/1994/NEWS

For the Franklin Matters summary of the Town Council meeting including the rate reduction for trash/recycling, check here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/05/sidewalks-beerwine-license-and-rfps.html

Blackstone River Theatre - Bike & Blues and Gypsy Star!

Blackstone River Theatre's 5th annual Summer Solstice Festival will feature: Calan (from Wales), Cassie & Maggie MacDonald, RUNA,  The Gothard Sisters, Robbie O'Connell & Dan Milner, The Gnomes, Pendragon, The Vox Hunters with Torrin Ryan, Eastern Medicine Singers, and Will Woods0n & Joey Abarta!    We are now over $2,800 in PRIVATE donations raised for the 2015 Summer Solstice Festival! We now have THREE stage sponsors ... TIR NA NOG IRISH DANCE, NAVIGANT CREDIT UNION, and the BLACKSTONE HERITAGE CORRIDOR, INC.  WE ARE LOOKING FOR   ONE MORE MUSIC STAGE SPONSOR AND ALSO A CHILDREN'S STAGE SPONSOR! We hope YOU can help us too as we strive to make our 5th festival the biggest yet... every small donation adds up!  COMING SOON TO BRT!                    Ongoing   Zumba with April Hilliker on Mondays, 6:30 PM Saturday, May 2, 1-4 PM  BIKE & BLUES THE BLACKSTONE ...Music by Martin Grosswendt, Bertrand Laurence and members of Pendragon Saturday, May 2, 8 PM  GYPSY STAR Saturday, May 9, 8 PM  LONGSHOT VOODOO / CROCODILE RIVER MUSIC DRUM WORKSHOP WITH WEST AFRICAN DRUMMERS 4-5 PM, $10.00  DRUM WORKSHOP AND CONCERT - $18.00 ADVANCE Saturday, May 16, 8 PM  ATWATER-DONNELLY TRIO May 16-May 17, 9 AM to 3 PM  CELTIC STONECARVING CLASS for beginners Friday, May 22, 8 PM    LEGEND TRIPS: An evening of Ghost Stories and New England Legends SOLD OUT!!!  Quick Links... BRT Website     BRT Classes       Directions to BRT BIKE & BLUES THE BLACKSTONE GYPSY STAR Tickets often available at door but to ensure a seat CALL FOR RESERVATIONS 401-725-9272 Please understand that when a show is SOLD OUT, it truly is! We must adhere to fire codes and it truly is not possible to fit "just one more"... especially when we have had several people ask to do the same! If a show at BRT has an advance price & a day-of-show price it means: If you pre-pay OR call in your reservation any time before the show date, you get the advance price. If you show up at the door with no reservations OR call in your reservations on the same day as the show, you will pay the day-of show-price. NOTE for prepaid tickets or if reservations have been made but not pre-paid: If you reduce the number of tickets requested or paid for at the box office on the night of the performance, that ticket must still be paid for! BRT requires 24 hour notice for cancellations or you will be charged for all seats reserved. Dear Steve, Bikes, blues, brews and a Gypsy Star for good measure!   On Saturday, we have a full day as BRT takes part in the 2nd annual Bike and Blues the Blackstone event from 1 to 4 p.m. Then we turn things around for our evening concert featuring the debut of GYPSY STAR from Florida featuring Cumberland native Billy Keen and with Bob Drouin as special guest! Keep your eyes open for Solstice Festival news... the first of which is: The Summer Solstice Festival is June 20 and tickets are on sale at BRT NOW! Please LIKE us on Facebook to get late-breaking news and really expensive gifts. Well, not that last one but definitely the first part... Please share what we do with your friends! www.facebook.com/pages/Blackstone-River-Theatre/165592431396    Hope to see you soon... Russell Gusetti, Executive Director   BIKE AND BLUES THE BLACKSTONE   Grab your helmets and bikes, and get in gear - it's time for the Blackstone Heritage Corridor, Inc.'s 2nd annual Bike and Blues the Blackstone event! This year's festivities will take place on Saturday, May 2, and is open to bicycle riders of all ages. Join the staff and partners of the Blackstone Heritage Corridor for a fun-filled bike ride through the scenic and historic Blackstone River Valley. Riders can then finish off their afternoon listening to live blues and Celtic artists while tasting regional and craft beers provided by Mendon Wines and More at Blackstone River Theatre. This year participants have three options to enjoy the day. Bicyclists can ride the entire 30-mile course as part of a Craft Brewery Tour and visit three Blackstone Valley breweries along the way: Bucket Brewery, Foolproof Brewing Company and Ravenous Brewing Company. Each brewery will be offering a tour of their facility including a sampling of their own unique brew. If 30 miles and sampling beer is not your thing, bikers can choose to take part in a leisurely ride along the historic Blackstone Canal on the 11-mile Blackstone River Bikeway, enjoying a visit to the Kelley House Museum, viewing the spectacular engineering of the Rt. 116 Viaduct, designed in the 1930s, and also the Pratt Dam where the powerful Blackstone River forges through the "tubes." Either way, at the end of your ride, participants can relax with refreshments, a craft beer tasting, and live music at Blackstone River Theatre performed by blues musicians Martin Grosswendt and Bertrand Laurence and members of the Celtic band Pendragon. Tickets and registration is $30.00 per person; register at www.bikeandbluestheblackstone.org. Check-in begins at 10:30 a.m. at Lonsdale Marsh, 116 John Street, in Lincoln, RI where the course starts. Bike and Blues the Blackstone will end off at Blackstone River Theatre. Music and refreshments at the theatre will go from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Contact Barbara Dixon at bdixon@blackstoneheritagecorridor.org or at 401-765-2211 with any questions about the Bike and Blues event.   EVENT INFO Saturday, May 2, 1-4 P.M.  $30.00 advance reservation  at Blackstone River Theatre 549 Broad Street, Cumberland, R.I. Call 401-765-2211 for reservations  www.bikeandbluestheblackstone.org GYPSY STAR A unique original band from the Tampa Bay area of Florida, Gypsy Star fuses American musical styles of folk, rock, pop and jazz with sounds and rhythms from around the world. Tapping into Latin, Celtic, Renaissance, Mediterranean and Caribbean flavors, Gypsy Star weaves a melodic tapestry of enchanting, uplifting music with acoustic instruments such as classical flamenco guitar and an array of hand percussion and drums. Add to the mix lush strings, dynamic arrangements, haunting vocals and world-beat rhythms complemented by fiery castanets and the percussive footwork of folkloric dance and you've got a cultural feast for the eyes and ears! The mystique behind this American folk-rock band's songs lie at the creative hand of guitarist/composer (and Cumberland native) Billy Keen who combines his own musical roots in rock with an exotic global influence. Vocalist Belinda Brodsky breathes poetry into Keen's tunes with lyrics that capture the essence of ancient tales, modern storytelling and heartfelt sentiments. Along with band members Carol "Corky" Sarao on keyboards, Vail Hayes on drums and dancer Pollyanna Garcia, the result is an inspiring and eclectic experience appealing to both mainstream and world music audiences alike. Join us and follow Gypsy Star as they take you along on a mystical journey to faraway lands through song, rhyme and dance.   EVENT INFO Saturday, May 2, 8 P.M. $13.00 advance / $15.00 day of show  at Blackstone River Theatre 549 Broad Street, Cumberland, R.I. Call 401-725-9272 for reservations  www.riverfolk.org

Forward email to a friend! Blackstone River Theatre | 549 Broad Street | Cumberland | RI | 02864

My wife and I rode on the Blackstone River Park recently. It is a good ride. Nicely flat (along a rail bed) and scenic (along the river and canal)

on the Blackstone River Bike Path near mile 10.5