Watch Out For Cyclists on the Tour De Lyme!

On May 11, several hundred cyclists will be hitting the roads and the trails of Lyme. Here's what you'll need to know if you're riding (or driving) on the roads on Saturday. 

All races begin and end at Lyme Consolidated School on Hamburg Road in Lyme, and it's anticipated that all riders will be back by noon for a picnic. The ride will happen, rain or shine, so dress accordingly. If it's raining, the picnic will be held inside the school.

The Challenge: This is the longest route, which is a challenging 55 miles, is marked in red and starts at 8:30 p.m. and has rest stops at Hartman Park, Ashlawn Farms, and Devils Hopyard. You'll find the route in Google maps here.

The Classic: The next tour to leave begins at 9:30 a.m. and is a 26 mile ride over hill and dale that is marked in green. You'll find the route in Google maps here. 

The Valley: This 21-mile valley ride leaves at 10 a.m. and follows Eight Mile River and its tributaries over gentle rolling hills and along rivers and streams. The trail is marked in green and you can find a map of it here. 

The Family: The 10-mile family ride, which is marked in yellow, leaves at 10:30 a.m. includes a side trip to Salem Valley Ice Cream. This is designed to be fun for all ages. You can find the route here. 

Trail bike rides include the Rider's Test, which should take about three hours and starts at 8:30 a.m., and the Preserve Tour, which departs at 10:30 a.m. and should take about one hour. 

Parking

Parking is available at Lyme Consolidated School but because the number of riders far exceeds the number of parking spaces available at the school, people participating in the Challenge, Classic, and Valley rides should park in the farm fields at 576 Hamburg Road (opposite Salem Road). People participating in the family or mountain bike ride should park at the school. 

You'll find more information online at www.tourdelyme.org. Riders have until 5 p.m. on Friday to register. State Police will be on hand to help with traffic but, please, be extra careful on the roads in and around Lyme on Saturday morning.