Cyclists prepare for a 40-mile Bike Tioga run. (Tourism Photo)
On Aug. 1, cyclists from all over the Southern Tier and beyond will take to the village streets and country roads of Tioga County for the 13th Annual Bike Tioga organized ride. Similar to past rides, this year’s routes will include physical challenges, scenic views and many eateries and shops to stop at along the way.
Bike Tioga will start and end in Waverly, N.Y. at the Waverly High School.
Each route highlights different areas of Tioga County, making it a healthy and fun way to explore a lot of the county in one day.
“Bike Tioga is a wonderful way to explore and enjoy the natural beauty and the unique, local businesses of Tioga County, and get a great workout at the same time,” said Rebecca Maffei, director of Tioga County Tourism.
The 20-mile route is great for beginners, being mostly flat. This route takes riders through what is commonly called “The Valley” by locals, which includes the villages of Waverly, N.Y. and Sayre, Pa., where riders will experience a small-town setting and shops. From there, cyclists will cross the scenic Susquehanna River twice before heading back to Waverly High School.
The 50 and 100-mile routes take cyclists through many of Tioga County’s small village centers and historic downtown shopping areas. This scenic route through the beautiful, rural countryside offers pleasant vistas and plenty of unique dining along the way.
Stop by the Parkview Pizzeria in Spencer and take your slice across the road to Nichols Pond Park for a peaceful pause. In Candor, N.Y., riders can stop at Punk’s Place for some lunch and a cold beer, Side Hill Acres Goat Farm to sample artisan goat cheese, or at Route 96 Power & Paddle, an outdoor store with kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, a shoe store and more. In Newark Valley, cyclists can pick up a healthy, locally grown snack at Stoughton’s Farm; learn about what life was like in colonial times at the Bement-Billing Farmstead, a living history museum that opens at noon; and grab a bite to eat at the Cardinal Café for deli-style dining.
In the village of Owego there are many charming shops and restaurants in Owego’s Historic Downtown area, as well as the Owego Riverwalk, a path that runs along the river.
New this year will be a kid’s rodeo sponsored by the Waverly Police Department and Waverly Parks and Recreation. Details are pending, but it is sure to be a fun and educational experience for local children. Updates will appear on the Bike Tioga Facebook page.
You can find more information and register online on www.biketiogawaverly.com, or in person at the Tioga County Visitors Center at 80 North Ave., Owego. Registration on race day begins at 7 a.m. for the 100-mile ride, 7:30 a.m. for the 50-mile ride, and 8 a.m. for the 20-mile ride at the Waverly High School located at 15 Frederick St. in Waverly N.Y.
Cyclists will receive a race t-shirt, water, snacks and more. Call Tioga County Tourism for more information at (607) 687-7440.
