There will be a chill in the air this weekend, but not enough to daunt the riders in the annual Tour de Forest and The Icebox Gravel, cycling events that take participants through some of the most scenic landscapes in the Northeast.
The events are planned for Saturday, October 17, starting the Norfolk Curling Club at 70 Golf Drive. The Icebox Gravel is a 30-mile ride over mostly gravel roads. The Tour-de-Forest is a 13-mile ride with an even mix of gravel and paved roads. All roads are very rural, scenic and, for the most part, very lightly traveled.
Half of the Tour-de-Forest is on a private gravel road with no cars allowed. Bikes with extremely thin tires are not encouraged. A hybrid or mountain bike is best. Free refreshments (both before and after) and a cash bar will be available at the curling club after the ride.
Registration starts at 8 a.m. Both races start at 9:30 am. Registration is $50 for adults, $25 for teens, and 12 and younger can participate without charge. All proceeds support Norfolk Rails to Trails and Great Mountain Forest.
Registration closes at 11:50 p.m. Friday, October 16. []