New Haven Register (New Haven, CT)
New Haven’s Rock to Rock bike ride on tap
Saturday event a celebration of Earth Day
NEW HAVEN — Hundreds of bikes are expected to roll out of East Rock Park Saturday morning for the 16th annual Rock to Rock, an Earth Day celebration.
The beloved tradition will bring together an anticipated 800-plus people to bike and hike the city’s parks while raising more than $200,000 for local environmental projects, according to organizers. Rock to Rock also held its annual Day of Environmental Service on April 13.
“All Rock to Rock activities will help people explore local natural beauty, build community, have fun, and support environmental/climate projects,” said an organizer, Chris Schweitzer, in a news release.
What are the Rock to Rock routes?
Rock to Rock offers loops that are 5, 12, 20, 40 and 60 miles long, starting and ending in East Rock Park by the ranger station. For younger riders, there is a Bike Rodeo followed by a 1-mile park loop.
There are rest stops at Common Ground High School for the 12-mile ride; at Sleeping Giant for the 20-, 40- and 60-mile rides; and at the Guilford Rec Center for the 60-mile ride, according to the website.
Guided hikes will also take place in East Rock and West Rock parks.
How long is Rock to Rock?
Bikes will disperse across the city on Saturday, at staggered times starting at 7 a.m. for longer rides and 10:30 a.m. for shorter rides.
Registration is open online through the ride times and at the event.
There will be a Green Fair in East Rock Park from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with food trucks and live music by local bands Love n’ Co and The Hooch.
Is Rock to Rock free?
People have the option of paying $5, $15 or $30 at registration.
Participants are encouraged to raise at least $100 for one of the event’s 24 partner organizations, with the opportunity to win prizes like a week of free yoga and a three-week farm share for raising more than $100.
What will the weather be like during Rock to Rock?
Saturday’s forecast is mostly sunny with a high of 59 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. The event will happen rain or shine.
Where can I park for Rock to Rock?
Participants can park at the Wilbur Cross High School lot off Cold Spring Road and along East Rock Park on Cold Spring and Livingston Street, according to the event website.
What if my bike breaks at Rock to Rock?
The event will have air pumps and first-aid kits but limited bike mechanic support, the website says, and it encourages cyclists to check their bike’s air, brakes, chain, cranks, and cassettes before the event. Nonemergency help is available at the start and end of rides, and ride marshals can call vehicle support, the website says. Participants should call 911 for emergencies.
Who are the Rock to Rock 2024 partners?
“All of the participating organizations are continuing to step up to face the slower-moving climate emergency that’s still in the background and to work in a hundred different ways to make our community greener, healthier, more welcoming, and more connected,” organizers said.
Partners include: New Haven Leon Sister City Project, New Haven Urban Resources Initiative (URI), Bradley Street Bicycle Co-op (BSBC), CitySeed, Citizens’ Climate Lobby, ClimateHaven, Common Ground, Community Place-making and Engagement Network (CPEN), EcoWorks, Elm City Cycling, Gather New Haven, Hamden
Land Conservation Trust, Huneebee Project, Haven’s Harvest, Inspiring Connections Outdoors (ICO), Interreligious Eco-Justice Network (IREJN), Massaro Community Farm, Neighborhood Housing Services of NHV, New Haven Bioregional Group, New Haven Coalition for Active Transportation (NCAT), Save the Sound, and Youth Continuum.