NEMBA's Family Ride for the National Park Service
along the Minute Man National Historical Park's Battle Road
Bike Ride Re-creates Paul Revere's Ride for Kids, June 21, 2009
Lincoln MA – Fifty kids, parents and even grandparents joined the New England Mountain Bike Association for a family bike ride to recreate Paul Revere’s ride along the National Park Service’s Battle Road in Lincoln and Concord, Massachusetts. The ride, part of the ongoing celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Minute Man National Historical Park, allowed kids to experience this historic dirt road that played such an important role in our nation's independence.
Despite the murky weather, the kids and parents were all smiles as they pedaled their bikes along the dirt path that traverses old farmlands and the historic site of Paul Revere’s capture, the Hartwell Tavern and the Meriam’s Corner. Along this road, the British retreated from Concord to Boston after meeting significant resistance from citizen farmers.
“What better way to engage our kids’ minds and bodies than to have them ride their bikes in this national park,” says NEMBA’s executive director, Philip Keyes. “These kids were so proud to have ridden the 10-mile out-and-back dirt road and they certainly didn't mind stopping for a bit of history and some cookies, courtesy of the National Park Service.” Many of the families had never been to the park, but now plan on returning.
Park Superintendant, Nancy Nelson, commented: “this was a wonderful occasion for the park and for families. Who knew that learning about our nation’s beginnings while riding bicycles in the misty rain could be so much fun?! We’re thankful that the New England Mountain Bike Association took the initiative to organize this ride and bring families into the park.”
There is already talk of possibly making this an annual event, open free to the public.
We thank our volunteers and the New England Mountain Bike Patrol for their help with this ride, and we also extend our gratitude to Nancy Nelson, Superintendant of the Minute Man National Historical Park, for all the logistical and moral support.
Check out this short video clip of the ride
For a full gallery of photos, visit Singlespeed Photography
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