The Ausable River Association will host a Ride for the River bike ride on Sunday, September 16.  The event will include a  37-mile scenic bike ride following the river from headwaters to lake designed to raise awareness of issues affecting the Ausable River’s vital natural resources and raise funds for the Ausable River Association (AsRA), a local organization that stewards the watershed’s resources and connects communities around protection of the river.

Ride for the River  will start near the source of the Ausable East Branch by the Ausable Club and follow the gentle path of the river valley to conclude with a picnic on the Main Stem at the famous Ausable Chasm. For the more adventurous, a ride back to start will accomplish a total of 74 miles. The Ride has an intermediate grade along the river and is entirely on state roads, the majority of which have wide shoulders. A portion of this route is used in the Ironman Lake Placid Triathlon.

“We’re so lucky to get to live and play in this beautiful river valley spanning high mountains and river lowlands,” said AsRA Executive Director, Corrie Miller. “This Ride will be a chance to honor all that the River provides – clean water, exceptional recreational opportunities, a healthy ecosystem, and an aesthetic beauty unrivaled.”

AsRA Board of Director Bradley Knapp of Keeseville, who inspired the organization to establish the Ride, said “I love biking this route and have dreamed of this day for years. I think my friends and neighbors along the way will celebrate the river through this event, and support the organization that makes it possible for us to enjoy a healthy ecosystem right in our backyards.”

The Ausable River Association is a non-profit, community-supported organization that works with landowners, municipalities, other organizations, and government agencies to protect the wild, scenic, and recreational resources of the Ausable Watershed. The Ausable River is nationally known for its trout fishery, spectacular scenery, and exceptional recreational opportunities. AsRA has been stewarding the river and its watershed since 1998.

Ride for the River has received strong sponsorship support to date from businesses active in the community. Sponsors help cover the cost of organizing the Ride; additional sponsors are sought.  Current sponsors include, from Keene: ADK Café, Adirondack Realty, Arbonne Consultant Angie Cook, The Birch Store, Kathy Gagnon & Associates Real Estate, LeepOff Cycles, and Valley Grocery; from Lake Placid: Engel & Volkers Lake Placid Real Estate, Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort, Jones Outfitters, and Placid Planet Bicycles; from Jay: Brookside Motor Inn and Young’s Studio & Gallery; from Wilmington: Alpine Country Inn & Suites, AuSable River Two Fly Shop, Hungry Trout Fly Shop & Resort, Lake Everest Diner Pizza, and Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA; from Keeseville: Ausable Chasm, Keeseville Pharmacy, Moore’s Concrete & Flatworks, and Pepsi; and from beyond: Price Chopper Plattsburgh and Raw Revolution.

Nearly one year ago, Tropical Storm Irene had devastating effects on the watershed communities and ecosystems. One hundred percent of proceeds from Ride for the River support the Ausable River Association’s work to protect, enhance, and restore these resources. All donations are tax-deductible. The public is welcome to join in the Ride and AsRA’s work.

For more information or to register, visit: www.ridefortheriver.org.