The race starts at the corner of North Street and Pennsylvania Street in Greenfield on 24th August at 9 am. Participants can choose between the 25-mile route and the 50-mile route depending on their skill levels. Either route will take them through the calming forests and beautiful fields that made the organizers choose Hancock County for the race.
The organizers hope to raise money for charity using this event. Most of it will go towards improving public cycling, walking and running routes within the community. This year’s event will be on the roads rather than in the woods and local law enforcement will help to keep riders safe on the tarmac.
Some of the cyclists were apprehensive about the switch from riding through woods to sharing the road with cars. Brandon Jones who lives east of Greenfield shared his concerns with the organizers however they convinced him that he had nothing to worry about. He said:
“Most the riders and the people doing the event know how to deal with the traffic. You also learn how to look out for yourself when you’re riding.”
The first Flat 50 race was in 2016 and 150 cyclists signed up. The numbers have doubled since then and averaged out at about 300 riders. The first finisher takes about two hours to finish the race while the last finisher crosses the finish line after about five hours. Banner printing is often used for such races to mark the start/finish lines. Participants have until 21st August at 4 pm to register.