For the first time since the pandemic, the annual Heritage Explorer Bike Tour will return to the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail. This family-friendly, non-competitive event will include group bike rides on the trail and fun activities at the YMCA Community Park in Carbondale. The event will be held on Saturday, May 7.

“The bike tour itself has always been done more as a ‘friend-raiser’ than a fundraiser,” explained April Rogato, Executive Assistant at Lackawanna Heritage Valley. “The main goal is to let people know that the Heritage Trail is there and how accessible it is.”

The tour includes options to ride 3, 12, 22 or 40 miles. All rides will depart from the John Street trailhead in Carbondale and head north.

In conjunction with the bike tour, Individual Abilities in Motion (I AM) will host an Adaptive Cycling Expo at the park. I AM is a local nonprofit that supports individuals with mobility impairments in achieving the highest possible level of life satisfaction by discovering, celebrating and developing individuals’ abilities.

“The overall goal is to increase awareness about adaptive cycling and help people understand that there are options to get out there and enjoy nature,” said Joseph Salva, President of I AM.

The event will give people the chance to learn about adaptive cycling opportunities in NEPA and check out different equipment. Bike-On, an adaptive cycling dealer from Rhode Island, will be at the event with recumbent bikes, handcycles and even some innovative, off-pavement products to try.

Accessible parking is available behind Nikki’s at the Ben-Mar. A small footbridge and paved path lead to the park. The Heritage Trail is paved for about a half-mile heading north before turning to stone dust. Since it’s a rail trail, the surface is fairly flat with a slight incline.

Event Details & Registration

The Heritage Explorer Bike Tour begins at 8 a.m. Online registration is open through Wednesday, May 4. Registration includes a light breakfast, a t-shirt and a catered lunch after the ride.

The Adaptive Cycling Expo will be held from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Online registration is open. You do not have to register for the bike tour in order to attend the expo. However, participants are welcome to register for both events.

Discover More Outdoor Opportunities

One of I AM’s core goals is to promote recreation and exercise for people who have mobility impairments. The expo is one of the many exciting events that they offer throughout the year. You can visit their website to find more resources and learn how to become a member.

You can also follow I AM and Lackawanna Heritage Valley on social media to learn more about adaptive cycling events on the Heritage Trail. Lackawanna Heritage Valley even offers recumbent bikes and handcycles as part of their bikeshare program. Rentals are available by appointment only. And if you enjoy the Heritage Trail, check out our article about wheelchair-friendly trails in NEPA.

Photos provided by Individual Abilities in Motion.