Likes: 
D2R2 2020 Cancled due to Covid-19
Disappointing email this afternoon:
"Dear Riders;
It is with heavy hearts that we announce our decision to cancel D2R2 2020 due to the risks associated with COVID-19. This was a very difficult decision to make. We entertained a wide range of creative alternatives to the traditional D2R2 event that we all love. But, in weighing each scenario, we realized that we couldn’t ensure your safety, or that of the volunteers, residents, emergency responders and local businesses that come together to make this amazing event possible.
To keep everyone safe, we respectfully ask that you wait to travel to this region and ride the dirt roads until it is safe to do so. On that note, we have created a couple of safe alternatives for you to experience D2R2 either on your own or virtually. While we won’t be able to simulate the camaraderie and character of D2R2 online, we can still give you some serious hills to climb! To that end, we are offering a DIY D2R2 Virtual Ride, and if you’re on Strava please join our D2R2 Club. Both options will feature a leaderboard of total distance, longest ride, average speed, and elevation gain. (We’ll be watching and holding weekly raffles to send out swag to some of the lucky folks that make it onto either of the leaderboards!)
Fortunately for us, we can’t think of a better group of people to navigate such challenging times with. As a D2R2 rider, you are known for your grit, perseverance, and optimism in the face of adversity. You are well versed in making the best of a difficult situation. As we here at FLT navigate these unprecedented times, we are following your lead. We will not give up, we will keep our sights on D2R2 2021, and we will continue to protect and care for the land that makes this ride so special.
D2R2 is FLT’s biggest fund-raising event. As a D2R2 rider, your support makes it possible for us to continue hosting this event each year. You also help us keep a strong and steady pace of land conservation in western Massachusetts. Thanks to you, FLT conserves about 1000 acres of land every year. This land provides food, clean water, clean air, and important habitat for wildlife. And it makes for some pretty nice gravel road riding!
These last few months have made it very clear that now more than ever, people need natural places for hiking, biking, exploring or quiet contemplation. Now more than ever, we need to protect farmland, support farmers, and ensure that we have access to healthy food. And, now more than ever, we need to focus on land conservation as part of the climate change solution.
In the midst of this global crisis, we are working to ensure that our pace of conservation remains strong by being creative and making the best of a difficult situation. But without D2R2, FLT is facing a significant shortfall. This pandemic has impacted all of us, and with a little grit and perseverance we know we will come out stronger for it. But in the short term, we need your help.
We would like to encourage you to donate your registration fee to FLT if you are able to do so. By doing this, you are ensuring that important lands will be protected AND that D2R2 2021 will be as amazing as ever. You will also receive a complimentary D2R2 2020 T-shirt, free registration into the DIY D2R2 Virtual Ride, and you will be qualified to register next year at a reduced rate ($75).
These are difficult times for everyone and we absolutely understand if you are not able to make a donation at this time. We are offering deferrals to D2R2 2021 or full refunds. (Please choose your options at the link below.)
We hope you will participate in our alternative D2R2 options, and we hope you will be in touch over the summer. We’d love to see photos of your rides and hear stories of your back-road biking adventures. We can’t wait to see you next year!
Be well. Stay safe. And keep riding! #D2R2
~Mary, Sandy & the D2R2 Bike Committee"
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by thollandpe
Bookmarks