On September 8, 2012, Ausbon Sargent co-sponsored a bike event with the New Hampshire Cycling Club (NHCC) from Concord. Two members of the club have a home on Lake Sunapee and for years have enjoyed cycling on the back roads of the Mt. Kearsarge/Lake Sunapee Region. They were excited to share our wonderful area with others. In the spring of 2012, they approached Ausbon Sargent with an interesting fundraising opportunity. The NHCC created the routes and maps and handled online registrations and many of the logistical details while Ausbon Sargent provided food and volunteers for the day. At the end of the event, we were thrilled to hear that the cycling club was donating all of the proceeds from the day to Ausbon Sargent.

For those of you who participated in last year’s bike event and for those who regretfully missed it, we have great news. On Saturday, September 7, the Randonnee returns. The NHCC will be tweaking some parts of the 30-mile, the 59-mile, and the 86-mile routes, but they will essentially be the same – winding through ten towns past many Ausbon Sargent protected properties and offering something for every level of rider. The response of the riders to the course, the scenery, and the meals we provided was wonderful. Some of the many participants’ comments can be read on the Ausbon Sargent Web site AusbonSargent.org.

Although the event does not take place until September, registration opened online in January at www.bikereg.com. The event is limited to 200 participants, and the cost of registration will increase after July 1. So consider making your plans early.

Much of the success of the 2012 event was due to the generosity of the many Ausbon Sargent volunteers who helped throughout the day. We are increasing the number of riders, so we could use more muffin, brownie, and cornbread bakers as well as volunteers to make and donate a crockpot of chili. It was a fun day to be a part of, so we hope you’ll consider joining us.