Ride for Nature Introduces Larger Cap for 2013

One of the more than 730 cyclists who made the 2012 Ride for Nature to benefit the Ridges Sanctuary the biggest in its 25-year history.

The Ride for Nature to benefit the Ridges Sanctuary is back to help kick off the Door County summer June 15. Registration for the 25th annual bicycle ride is now open. The ride, which saw a record 734 participants in 2012, is capped at 1,200 participants this year.

“After growing by over 30 percent last year, we wanted to choose a cap that we know allows us to exceed the expectations of everyone involved,” said organizer Brian Fitzgerald. “Our cyclists expect a boutique event experience, and we also have to respect the needs of businesses, vehicle traffic, and public safety.”

Part of that includes a short road closure to accommodate a mass roll-out for those taking on the century and metric century (62-mile) routes.

With routes of 50, 25 and 15 miles, each with full course support and a post-ride meal, the Ride for Nature offers an experience for cyclists of all levels. All distances end at the Baileys Harbor Town Hall Park, where the second annual Door County Beer Festival will be held.

“Last year’s turnout and festivities were tremendous,” said Fitzgerald, the co-owner of the Peninsula Pacers, which also produces the Door County Half Marathon. “With Fyr Bal taking place in Ephraim that day as well we think there’s no better weekend to get the full Door County experience.”

For more information or to register, visit http://www.ridefornature.com or call 920.421.1509.