Emmaus Cycle for Shelter Is July 22 in Haverhill: Here’s How to Participate

Top female fundraiser Sharron Norman leads the 100-mile riders out of Northern Essex during the 2017 Cycle for Shelter event. (Courtesy photograph by Nicole Goodhue Boyd.)

Top female fundraiser Sharron Norman leads the 100-mile riders out of Northern Essex during the 2017 Cycle for Shelter event. (Courtesy photograph by Nicole Goodhue Boyd)

Riders get ready: The annual Cycle for Shelter bike ride takes over Haverhill on Sunday, July 22, and registration for riders of all ages is open now!

This year’s 30th anniversary ride starts and ends at Northern Essex Community College and features four different rides: 20-miles, 40-miles, 62-miles or 100-miles, with all courses open to participants for a $50 fee and a $250 minimum donation to Emmaus. Several local leaders and community groups have formed teams, though individual participation is also welcome.

Chris Seferlis, the captain of the 3 Flat Tires team, was supported at the 2017 ride by his wife Kristin and his two daughters. (Courtesy photograph by Pam Cyran)

Riders are encouraged to register in advance, as the day-of-ride entry fee is $100 plus the minimum fundraising amount of $250 due on Sept. 1.

The event is held rain or shine, with several rest stops planning events and fun to give riders a break as they trek around the Merrimack Valley. Helmets are a must for all participants and riders under 18 are required to bike with a guardian at all times.

Complimentary sports/physical therapy massages, food, music and more are available to riders once they cross the finish line.

Event manager Margot Regan tells WHAV money raised at this summer’s ride will go to maintaining the 97 permanent housing units owned and operated by Emmaus across the city. Funds are also earmarked to keep the Mitch’s Place emergency shelter open during warm weather months and when heat advisories are in place.

Volunteers are welcome to lend their time and talents to Cycle for Shelter, Regan said. Last year, approximately 150 volunteers helped set up the event and cheer on participants.

Registration forms for cyclists and volunteers are available online at EmmausInc.org or by calling 978-241-3425.

A pre-race fundraiser takes place Tuesday, June 12 at Georgetown’s Flatbread Company, 258 Andover St., with a portion of all flatbread sales from 5-9 p.m. being donated to Emmaus.