Lions have a dynamic history. Founded in 1917, we are best known for fighting blindness, but we also volunteer for many different kinds of community projects - including caring for the environment, feeding the hungry and aiding seniors and the disabled.
100% of the proceeds raised from this event will be used for charitable causes.
For more about Lions Clubs, go to www.lionsclubs.org
Rain or Shine Event - Sorry No Refunds
Bike Helmets Required for all riders
E-bikes welcome on all routes
Same day registration available (fee goes up $5.00 for each ride) but we cannot guarantee a tee shirt will be available
Riders under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian sign consent form
Must register by May 1 in order to guarantee that you will receive a t-shirt
Registration from 8am – 10am at Riverfront Park
Registration for Gravel Rides only at Bransfield Park from 9-10am
Some historic sites along the rides will include the Portland Reservoir and Meshomasic Forest. In the late 19th century and again in the 1940s two quarries in the Meshomasic State Forest were quarried for feldspar and mica. The quarries are still open to the public and rock collectors to explore. From the early 1950s to 1970s Nike Missile Site HA-36 was located off of North Mulford Road in the Meshomasic State Forest. It was one of over 300 missile-defense sites around major cities during the Cold War. Nike Ajax anti-aircraft missiles were located at HA-36 to protect Hartford's aircraft industry from Soviet bombers. There are eight miles of dirt roads, originally built by the CCC, open for seasonal driving in the forest. Hunting, mountain biking, off roading, and hiking are some other activities available in the forest.
Other sites along the road rides include the Arrigoni Bridge which connects Middletown and Portland and Brownstone Adventure Sports Park on the right, which used to supply quality brownstone from New York and Boston to San Francisco, and employed over 1,500 people during the 1850's. More than 25 ships transported the stone to major population centers in the United States, Canada and even England. The brownstone quarries in Portland, Connecticut, owe their existence to millions of years of prehistoric sediments accumulating in the Connecticut River. Quarried as far back as the 17th century, the brownstone around Portland proved soft enough to allow for carving and polishing, making it one of the most desirable materials for gravestone markers and building construction for nearly three centuries. Portland’s location along the Connecticut River allowed for easy transport throughout the state and, later, the world.
Route Choices (see descriptions)
Road Rides - 63 mile or 42 mile
All road Rides leave from Riverfront Park, 284 Brownstone Ave, Portland CT
Gravel Rides – 35 or 41 miles
All gravel rides leave from Bransfield Park, 160 Rose Hill Rd, Portland CT
Road Ride – Metric Century (63.7 miles) (includes tee shirt, food stops (2) and after ride meal)
Route will start at Riverfront Park in Portland and meander through Portland, Glastonbury, Manchester and Hebron with some of the ride on the Charter Oak Greenway. Recommended start time between 8-9am depending on speed, slower riders should plan to start at the earlier time
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45437707
Road Ride – 42 miles (includes tee shirt, one food stops and after ride meal
The beginning of this ride will be the same as the metric splitting off around 17 mile mark. Recommended start times 9-10am depending on speed, slower riders should plan to start at the earlier time
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45437935
Gravel Rides
Gravel Ride – Basic (35 miles) includes 1 water / food stop and hot lunch at end of ride
Will be on dirt roads in the Meshomasic Forest and the Airline Trail as well as paved roads, be sure to have a bike computer or the printed out cuesheet (available on day of ride) for this ride as there are not many road markers in the Mesh. Recommended start time 9-10am, slower riders should plan to start at the earlier time
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45543674
Gravel Ride – Spicy (41 miles) includes 1 water / food stop and hot lunch at end of ride
Same as basic ride but incorporates trails and single track which does have rocks and roots. There will also be a beaver dam crossing across a wooden footbridge which requires walking across with your bike then stepping on some rocks to cross. Recommended start time 9am
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46160101
GRAVEL RIDES ONLY DEPART FROM Bransfield Park, 160 Rose Hill Road, Portland, CT
Registration Cost:
63 Mile Road or Gravel Rides (includes lunch, t-shirt and 3 food / water stops) $55
41 Mile Road Ride (includes lunch, t-shirt and 2 food / water stops) $55
35 and 41 Mile Gravel Rides (include lunch, t-shirt,1 food / water stop and restroom / water stop at Airline Cycles) $55
T-Shirts provided at no additional charge when you register for one of the rides. If you want an extra shirt below are prices:
T-Shirts: $17 Small to XL as well as child sizes / $22 XXL-5XL
Hot Lunch catered by Farrell’s Restaurant in Portland (includes vegan option, water, soft drinks, desserts, etc) Served from Noon - 3:00PM
Lunch served at: Portland Riverfront Park, 284 Brownstone Ave, Portland, CT 06480