The Fall River Bicycle Committee and Green Futures sponsored a 12-mile ride through the center of Fall River's bioreserve, a 14,000 acre tract of wooded land that borders the City's northeast corner, on July 28, 2012. This lush forest environment protects Fall River's drinking water supply and is home to various animal and plant species. The area is also rich in history as native leaders King Philip and Weetamoe used paths across this area to escape from the pursuing English militia at the start of King Philip's War in 1675. The ride was part of a series that the Committee has been sponsoring over the summer to bring together cyclists who want to explore the many routes that are available in the Fall River Area. The bioreserve offers an "off road" experience through a natural setting that is rarely traveled by motorized vehicles. Despite the poor condition of the pavement in many areas, the cyclists were able to navigate about fifteen miles. Click here, here and here for photos of other rides organized by the Committee. For more information, contact Brian Pearson. (Photos courtesy of Brian and Karen Pearson)

(Top row) Fall River Bicycle Committee chairman Brian Pearson, left, and the rest of the group gathers at the beginning of the ride as Everett Castro of Green Futures points out the proposed route on one of the Trustees of Reservations maps. (Middle row, left and right) Cyclists make their way around the many puddles and ruts (Middle row, center) Fall River Mass in Motion Coordinator Julianne Kelly, right, leads the group on the one section of well-paved road. (Bottom row, left)  Karen Pearson walks her bicycle to save her tires as the route gets more difficult. (Bottom row, center) An osprey is spotted on one of the nest towers constructed for the birds near the reservoir.