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Explorathon: Preserve Pedal

June 6

We have closed ticket sales for this event so we have time to prepare our RSVP list. If you’d still like to join us, you are welcome to! We will have day-of registration available. Cash, check, or card payments will be accepted day-of.

ABOUT THE EVENT

Across 50 years, the Land Conservancy of West Michigan has protected spaces where curiosity grows, and where caring for the earth means caring for each other. In West Michigan’s forests, prairies, and shorelines, protecting habitats also means we’re nurturing the relationships that make conservation possible.

As part of our 50th anniversary celebrations, we are hosting the Explorathon: a three-event series highlighting connected, protected natural lands and the impact of collaboration in conservation in West Michigan. The Explorathon invites participants to hike along the Lake Michigan Shoreline, bike the varied topography of the Eastern Glacial Corridor, paddle the waters of our Big Forests & Wild Rivers—while learning about, enjoying, and celebrating the ongoing protection of these beautiful natural places. Together, we will explore the land that has been protected over the past 50 years, and we will dream of the impact that can be had in the coming 50.

Join us for the second stop of the Explorathon: a pedal through the Eastern Glacial Corridor!

This area in Kent County is characterized by a diverse patchwork of habitats, sculpted by glaciers thousands of years ago. These shrinking masses of ice left behind lakes, streams, and wetlands. Their impact on the area’s geology paved the way for unique habitats like oak savannas and prairies to take root.

Bikers will ride along the region’s rolling hills and along the Grand and Flat Rivers, with opportunities to stop at parks and preserves and learn about the importance of protecting places where biodiversity can thrive.

Tickets are required to attend. If the event is not sold out, on-site registration will be available, but space is limited. We recommend registering early to secure your spot!  

Register to Attend

If you’re interested in sponsoring this event, please reach out directly to han@naturenearby.org. 

If you’re interested in volunteering for this event, please reach out directly to kendra@naturenearby.org. 

CHOOSE YOUR ROUTE

Route availability is subject to change depending on attendance. If there are not enough registrants to support hosting a route, it may be cancelled and registrants will be asked to join another route. Registrants will be notified in advance of the race if route availability changes.

  • 7 Miles: Join us for a 7-mile bike ride in the Lowell area. This route takes place entirely on paved trails and sidewalks, and is a great option for those who prefer a shorter route, or those riding with kids. This route can be found on Strava at https://www.strava.com/routes/3475644580625499308
  • 25 Miles: This 25-mile route adventures through the Eastern Glacial Corridor, and takes riders past LCWM owned nature preserves, community parks, and other natural areas. This route includes some gravel and rolling hills. This route can be found on Strava at https://www.strava.com/routes/3475649367365938972
  • 50 Miles: Ride 50 miles to celebrate 50 years! Our 50-mile route includes gravel, rolling hills, and a few big climbs as it explores the Eastern Glacial Corridor and features some of LCWM’s most iconic properties along the way. This route can be found on Strava at https://www.strava.com/routes/3475658529391648980

BIKE AT YOUR OWN PACE

    This is a non-competitive, self-guided ride. Check in at any time during the registration hours (listed below) and ride at your own pace. If you are interested in a group ride, see below:
  • 7 MILE CHECK IN: Check in at the Wittenbach Wege Center at any time between 7:30am-10:00am.
  • 25 MILE CHECK IN: Check in at the Wittenbach Wege Center at any time between 7:30am-10:00am.
  • 50 MILE CHECK IN: Check in at the Wittenbach Wege Center at any time between 7:30am-8:30am.

RIDE IN COMMUNITY

If you’re interested in riding with community and receiving some extra naturalist interpretation along the way, join a group ride! Group rides are not required, but are included in your ticket price. We recommend anyone planning to join a group ride arrives at check in a minimum of 20 minutes before group departure. Please note: group ride animal names are for organizational purposes, and are not indicators of the speed or content of the ride. Group ride information below:

  • Brook Trout Group Ride: 50 mile route, 8:30am departure from Wittenbach Wege Center, 16-18mph average pace. Led by Grand Rapids Chair event sponsor and member of Blackrocks Racing Team Geoff Miller.
  • Eastern Box Turtle Group Ride: 25 mile route, 9:00am departure from Wittenbach Wege Center, 12-13mph average pace. Led by LCWM staff member Rory Thibault and LCWM Board Member Joe Engel.
  • Piping Plover Group Ride: 25 mile route, 9:30am departure from Wittenbach Wege Center, 12-15mph average pace. Led by event sponsor and LCWM Board Member Tim Stoepker.
  • Karner Blue Butterfly Group Ride: 7 mile route, 9:45am departure from Wittenbach Wege Center, no drop pace (ride will travel the pace of the slowest biker). Led by LCWM Board Member Steve Rice.

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN YOUR TICKET

  • On-Route Support: There will be aid stations along the route with snacks, drinks, and regular restrooms to help keep riders refreshed and energized throughout the day!
  • Education: Each aid station will be located at a different natural area. These aid stations will provide opportunities to learn more about the protected area and stretch your legs by taking a hike.
  • Activities: Participate in a course-based game for a chance to win a prize! Details to be shared at check in.
  • Prizes: Each participant will receive an LCWM water bottle and a unique, limited-edition Explorathon pedal-themed sticker to decorate. NOTE: Each Explorathon event includes a custom sticker! Participate in all three activities and receive all three stickers to fully customize your water bottle!
  • Afterparty: Join us immediately following the bike for an afterparty, hosted at the Wittenbach Wege Center! There will be food, drink, and more! Celebrate your accomplishment of finishing the long ride with us!

PARKING & ARRIVAL

  • Parking is available at Lowell High School, located at 11700 Vergennes St SE, Lowell, MI 49331. Please park at the high school and cross the street at the cross walk to access registration at the Wittenbach Wege Center.

FAQ’S

  • Can I register for the bike day-of on site? Yes, you can register for the bike on-site. This event has limited space, so we recommend securing your ticket early, but we will be accepting morning-of registrations. If the event sells out before June 6, we will update the event page to reflect this.
  • Is there anything I should bring with me? This is a long ride, so bring what you need to successfully complete your route. We recommend comfortable clothes, sunscreen, layers, and water. Helmets are required.
  • What should I know about safety? We have done our best to create safe routes for everyone to ride. When available, please stick to the paved bike paths and sidewalks. Helmets are required, and bright clothes and/or reflective gear are encouraged. In addition this, we recommend all participants read the League of Michigan Bicyclist’s handbook, found here: https://lmb.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/WEMBMK_2019_Web.pdf.
  • What if I cannot complete the route I signed up for? We are offering multiple routes day-of, so please select the distance you are comfortable with! Please note that the 25 and 50 mile routes include gravel and some challenging hills. That said, if you are unable to complete whichever route you have signed up for, just alert a volunteer along the route. LCWM will provide or coordinate transportation back to the Wittenbach Wege Center for anyone who may need to drop partway through the course.
  • Will bikes be provided? Bikes will not be provided. Participants must supply their own bikes.
  • What kind of bikes are permitted? This is a non-competitive ride, so most bikes are allowed. Hybrids, gravel bikes, road bikes, mountain bikes, recumbent bikes, and e-bikes in Class 1 & 2 are allowed. Trailers to pull kiddos are also allowed. As a reminder, the 25 and 50 mile routes include significant sections of gravel riding, so we recommend considering your bike’s compatibility with the course as you select your route! PLEASE NOTE: Class 3 e-bikes (or e-bikes that can go over 20mph) and e-motos are not allowed on this course.
  • What happens in the case of inclement weather? In the case of heavy rain or thunderstorms, LCWM may delay or cancel the Preserve Pedal. If the pedal is cancelled, LCWM will alert all registered attendees via email and will update all LCWM social media accounts. In the event of cancellation, partial refunds will be available and LCWM will follow up with registered attendees to coordinate.
  • What if I need to cancel? Cancellation requests received at least 7 days before the scheduled program are eligible for a 50% refund of the total registration cost, not including any credit card processing fees. Due to administration costs, full refunds are not available. Cancellation requests received within 7 days of the event are not eligible for a refund.

Register to Attend

THIS EVENT IS GENEROUSLY SPONSORED BY

THANKS TO OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS: 

Lowell Schools & the Wittenbach Wege Center

Grand Valley State University

John Ball Zoo

Kent County Parks

Details

Organizer