Essex Region – After hosting a virtual event in 2020, the Essex Region Conservation Foundation is ready to welcome hundreds of cyclists to enjoy the “Place for Life” by bike on September 25th for the Essex Region Conservation Bike Tour. Back by popular demand, the tour will once again begin and end at the beautiful Mettawas Park in Kingsville.

“Over the past 18 months, visitation to conservation areas and trails has surged, and so many people have reached out to express their gratitude as these areas were critical to people’s mental and physical wellbeing,” says Claire Wales, President of the Essex Region Conservation Foundation.  “This really reinforces that while there is much we can live without, our need for nature is paramount.”

Funds raised from the Bike Tour support local conservation efforts, and the event is ideally suited for individuals, teams and families interested in health and wellness to explore the region’s fantastic trails and safe road routes.

This year’s event will be held on Saturday, September 25th, with enhanced cyclist healthy and safety protocols. Riders will choose one of five different routes catering to all skill levels. Road routes will range from approximately 60km – 110km, while Greenway riders can choose from a 15km, 32km or 60 km trail experience. The tour will conclude with a lakefront lunch of delicious local foods. Bike shops and cycling groups will also be part of the celebration.

“We want to showcase the beautiful, connected Greenway trail system that has been created with support from so many donors across the region,” Wales adds.  “As well, road rides will include stops at some of our wonderful conservation areas.  We encourage all participants to consider supporting more conservation efforts in our region by seeking pledges. As so many events have been cancelled for this past year and a half, we hope the Bike Tour will be a great event for families, social bubbles, and workplace teams to enjoy.”

Registration for the Essex Conservation Bike Tour is open and available online at http://essexregionconservation.ca/bike-tour

For more than four decades, Essex Region Conservation has been sustaining and enriching the environment of the Windsor-Essex-Pelee Island region to ensure it is the Place for Life.