The Freedom Fest Bike Classic is back in Morgan Hill for the third year in 2012, offering a list of events that are suitable for kids, families, cycling hobbyists and even experts.
The bike classic, which is organized by the nonprofit organization that organizes Morgan Hill’s annual Independence Day celebrations, is set to take place June 30 with the local Coyote Creek Bike Trail as the backdrop.
“It is an incredibly picturesque setting where riders will enjoy the landscape of the open space district that borders the trail,” said a press release from Independence Day Celebrations.
New to this year’s classic is the 100K ride for more serious cyclists, providing more than 3,400 feet of climbing through South Santa Clara County foothills and back roads, according to IDC.
The bike classic is an annual fundraising event to support the annual Morgan Hill July 4 events, which also include fireworks and a downtown parade.
Bike Classic riders have a choice of participating in four different distances:
-6 mile event designed for the little ones that will go to the Santa Clara Model Airplane Park and return to the start. A fabulous route to introduce families to an organized ride and the Air Park is a great place for families to grab some water and watch the operators of the planes in action before returning to the parking lot for a hot dog lunch.
-12 Mile distance designed for those that want a comfortable ride with more distance. It will turn around at the Bailey Avenue underpass and includes a supported rest stop that will provide water and snacks for those that desire a break before returning to the starting point.
-30 mile distance for those who really want to get the most out of the cycling experience. This ride will follow the bike path to Hellyer Park and is also a supported rest stop where riders can refuel if they desire before returning to the start.
-100k distance for the long distance recreational rider and the racer who wants to train independently in a supported organized ride. It will start and end at the Malaguerra Ranger Station, is 63.9 miles in length with 3378 ft of climbing. There will be 3 rest stops spaced approximately every 15 miles, and SAG wagons will patrol each segment to provide support for participants.
Every entrant will get a T-shirt commemorating the inaugural event and a catered lunch after returning to the finish line.
The Bike Classic registration opens at 7 a.m. for the 100K; 8 a.m. for the 6, 12, and 30-mile routes. The shorter routes will close at 2 p.m., and the 100K route will close at 4 p.m.
Registration is recommended in advance at www.active.com. Details regarding the event are listed at the IDI website www.mhfreedomfest.com.
