Put some air in the ol? tires, oil up those chains and make sure your spandex bike shorts still fit because the 11th Annual Rural Pearl of a Ride returns to the Polly Ann Trail on Saturday, July 25.
Bicyclists are invited to ride one of three well-marked routes ? 15, 30 or 48 miles ? as they enjoy some spectacular rural scenery and wonderful downtown areas.
‘It’s a good family event,? said Lori Collier, who’s chairing the ride this year.
All the routes begin and end in Oxford, in front of the village offices at 22 W. Burdick St. All riders will cross the Polly Ann Trail bridge over M-24 as they head east.
Registration for the event will run from 7 a.m. to 12 noon. Riders may begin anytime after registering. Riders who choose the 48-mile route must begin no later than 10:30 a.m.
‘It’s not a race, it’s just a ride,? Collier said. ‘People can start whenever they want to.?
Breakfast and lunch will be provided by local eateries at the starting/ending point in front of the village offices.
Representatives from Oxford’s Main Street Bicycles will be on hand conducting free bike inspections to make sure each two-wheeler is safe, working properly and ready to ride.
The 15-mile route is basically a leisurely ride along the Polly Ann Trail to the quaint Village of Leonard and back.
Riders choosing the 30-mile route will go beyond Leonard and take a scenic ride through Addison, Oakland and Orion townships on their way back to Oxford.
Those hearty souls who decide to go the distance and give the 48-mile route a try will find themselves peddling down Dequindre Road and through Stony Creek Metropark.
They will then ride on three trails ? Macomb Orchard, Clinton River and Paint Creek ? and through downtown Rochester before returning to Oxford via the Polly Ann Trail, which they’ll pick up at Indianwood Road in Orion Township.
Three rest stops stocked with local specialities will be located in Leonard, Lake Orion and Stony Creek Metropark.
The cost to ride any of the routes is $20 per individual or $45 per family, which includes at least three people.
‘It could be five, six people and still be under the family (category),? Collier said.
However, those who register by Sunday, July 19 will pay $15 per individual or $35 per family.
Proceeds benefit Oxford-Addison Youth Assistance (OAYA), a nonprofit organization that works with youth, parents, schools, law enforcement agencies, Oakland County Probate Court and other community resources to help find solutions to problems.
OAYA’s mission is to strengthen youth and families while reducing delinquency, abuse and neglect through volunteer involvement.
Last year, the Rural Pearl ride, which saw 243 participants, raised $4,451 for Youth Assistance programs in Oxford and Orion.
Each Rural Pearl rider will receive a goodie bag filled with coupons for local businesses.
To preregister for the Rural Pearl of a Ride call (248) 969-5177 or visit www.oxfordride.net.