HAMILTON — Greenbelt will host its annual Gravel Bike Meetup on Saturday, May 3, from 9 a.m. to noon at Vineyard Hill Reservation. The event is free, but preregistration is required.
The ride will kick off at the reservation and take participants through a scenic network of connecting local trail systems, covering a total distance of 25 to 35 miles (distance will be based on trial conditions).
Participants will receive a Ride with GPS route in advance, and volunteer pace group leaders will be on hand to ensure everyone has an enjoyable experience and makes it back to the starting point safely. Snacks and sports drinks will be provided at the end of the ride.
Participants will need a gravel or cyclocross bike as mountain bikes are not ideal for gravel trails.
Vineyard Hill Reservation, located between Bradley Palmer State Park and the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, offers one of the most picturesque landscapes in Essex County.
The trails throughout the reservation provide access to scenic vistas and connect to other nearby conserved lands. This area, shaped by a classic glacial landscape, features steep drumlins, streams and boggy depressions. Riders will enjoy filtered ridgeline views of the Ipswich River, according to organizers.
To register, visit: ecga.org/rsvp/gravel-bike-meetup.