After a two-year hiatus, the Rural Pearl will be making a much anticipated comeback to the Oxford area this week.
The Oxford Downtown Development Authority (DDA) will be presenting the 9th Annual Rural Pearl of a Ride on Saturday, July 28.
The Rural Pearl is a one-day, rail-trail and back roads bike tour of scenic northeast Oakland County. Riders can choose to ride either 15, 28 or 48 miles through the rural countryside, which includes the Polly Ann Trail, the Macomb Orchard Trail, the Clinton River Trail and the Paint Creek Trail.
Those traveling the shorter route will only bike the Polly Ann Trail. Rest stops will be located about every 7-10 miles and will feature local products, like food from Casa Real, Red Knapp’s American Grill and Sweet & Savory Bake Shop, just to name a few. ‘We’re expecting to offer delicious local food that’ll make people want to visit the restaurants again,? said trail manager Amy Murray.
All Rural Pearl riders will also receive a mesh tote bag and coupons for businesses in downtown Oxford and Lake Orion.
‘We’re really proud of what we’re doing because I think (The Polly Ann Trail’s) the first one around here to pick up such an ambitious route,? Murray said. ‘We really want to embody the philosophy of hub villages and connecting trails and bringing people together through communities.?
Murray said the event wouldn’t have been possible without the DDA generously donating $2,000 to the Polly Ann Trailway Management Council toward expenses for the Rural Pearl. ‘The DDA is extremely excited to help the Rural Pearl in its reinvigoration,? said Carolyn Bennett, Executive Director of the Oxford DDA.
The cost for the ride is $20 per person or $35 per family (any group of two or more) and can be paid the day of the ride.
All proceeds will benefit Oxford/Addison and Orion Youth Assistance programs, which have always been recipients of the funds in years past.
Registration and routes open at 7:30 a.m. at the Oxford Village Offices (22 W. Burdick). Those riding in the 48 mile route must start by 10:30 a.m. All routes and rest stops close at 3 p.m.
For a detailed map of the Rural Pearl trail routes, visit the Polly Ann Trail website at www.pollyanntrailway.org.