More than 200 cyclists outsmarted the weather forecast on June 6 and came to the Cummings Center in Beverly for the fourth annual ENHC Heritage Ride. The forecast was bleak, but the rain held off until the rides and festival were complete. Participants enjoyed good cycling weather - cool and cloudy - as they toured the scenic byways of Beverly, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Gloucester, Essex, Ipswich, Hamilton and Wenham.
The ENHC Heritage Ride featured four routes this year, adding a 25-mile route to the 15-, 40- and 60-mile routes that have been offered in the past. Rest areas at the Wenham Museum, Crane Estate and Essex Shipbuilding Museum were stocked with water and healthy snacks and staffed by ENHC and North Shore Cyclist volunteers.
The 60-mile ride got off to a false start as the more than 100 cyclists were stopped by the MBTA Commuter Rail as it crossed Elliot Street in Beverly. Reports from the road confirmed that the ride picked up after that stall, and everyone enjoyed the scenery and company of the ride.
Cyclists and their families enjoyed the food, drink and demonstrations at the post-ride festival. The first annual Decorated Bike Parade awarded prizes in three age groups for best decorations and most enthusiasm. Thanks to the participants, their families and the exhibitors who made the Fourth Annual ENHC Heritage Ride a great success.
We look forward to seeing you next year on June 5, 2005 for the Fifth Annual ENHC Heritage Ride!
Thanks to our partners: Cummings Center, North Shore Cyclists, and Landry's Bicycles for their tireless work on behalf of the Heritage Ride.
And thank you to all of our festival exhibitors and prize contributors, including:
Cape Ann Whale Watch
Julie Dougherty Duo
Dylan & Pete's Ice Cream
Franson Family Chiropractic
Greater Salem YMCA
Landry's Bicycles
MassRides
Mercury Brewing
MetroSports Magazine
Parlee Cycles
Seven Cycles
Titteringtons Cookies
Wenham Museum
Woodman's of Essex
Yankee Fleet Whale Watch & Deep Sea Fishing
Zone Perfect Nutrition
If you have questions about the ride or would like to be involved in the fifth annual ENHC Heritage Ride, please contact Kate Fox at katef@essexheritage.org.
