Bike the buffer this Sunday

The event offers trails with three levels of difficulty, suitable for everyone from families and beginners to advanced mountain bikers. Signature Stewart State Park —Orange County’s oldest, but newest, multi-recreational open space preserve, Stewart State Park, will again be the setting for an annual family biking event, now in its eighth year, on Sunday, June 10. Bikers of all ages are welcomed to the Stewart State Forest Bike Tour, (formerly “Bike the Buffer”). The tour is sponsored by Stewart Park and Reserve Coalition (SPARC), celebrating the second year since the coalition’s victory in which protected a total of 7,000 acres in the Stewart State Forest. Stewart State Forest is easily accessible from the Thruway, and Routes I-84, 17K, 207. Registration starts at 9 a.m., using the Weed Road entrance off Rt. 207 west of Stewart Airport. Ride start time goes from 9 to 10:30 a.m. and free lunch begins at noon. Pre-register for a guaranteed free ride T-shirt. T-shirts available for day-of-the-ride registrants while supplies last. The event offers trails with three levels of difficulty, suitable for everyone from families and beginners to advanced mountain bikers. Adult pre-registration is $25 and $30 on day of event: a child (under 14), $15, and family rate, pre-registered $55 and $60 on day of event. E-mail SPARC@frontiernet.net to register. Brochures are also in many bike shops and elsewhere. For information, call 564-3018 or Chairman Ralph Grimaldi at 496-9487.