SIMSBURY — The Farmington Valley Trails Council will hold its 16th annual Trails-in-Motion bicycle tour event on Saturday, June 1, in conjunction with National Trails Day. The event helps to promote public awareness of the rails-to-trails initiative in the Farmington Valley, attracting new and existing fans of the multi-use trail system. Newtown residents are invited to participate free of charge this year.

All events will start and finish at the Iron Horse Boulevard and Mall Way parking lot in the center of Simsbury. The family-oriented event is designed for trail users of all abilities, and is fully supported until 3 pm, rain or shine.

The signature events of the day are a 62-mile (metric century) tour that starts at 8 am, a 50-mile tour (8:30 am), a 30-mile tour (9:30 am) and a 10-mile tour (10:30 am).

Newtown residents are invited to participate free of charge this year. Otherwise, the cost to participate (for non-FVTC members) is $40 for adults, $60 for a family with up to two children, and $5 for each additional child.

Riders are asked to arrive at least 30 minutes early to register and get ready. All tours utilize the trail system and allow participants to enjoy spectacular scenery in the Farmington Valley, with the longer tours going all the way into Massachusetts. Walkers, runners, and inline skaters are also welcome.

Light snacks (energy bars, bagels, fruit, and drinks) will be provided at the start. There are several rest stops along the way.

A number of door prizes await participants at the finish including a new bicycle.

All entrance fees go directly to construction, beautification and maintenance of the trails and may be tax deductible. The northern part of the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail now has 38 continuously paved miles from southern Farmington through Westfield, Mass.. The Farmington River Trail is complete from southern Farmington to above Route 44 in Canton and has 10.2 miles of paved trail. 

For additional information call 860-202-3928, send email to info@fvgreenway.org, or visit www.fvgreenway.org.