Members of the Fall River Bicycle Committee organized a series of rides through the Southeastern Massachusetts Bioreserve, a 14,000 acre tract of wooded land that borders Fall River's northeast corner, every Thursday evening through the month of August, 2016. Bike Fall River members Mike Klek, Paul DeVillers and Frank Menezes joined up on August 11th for a 12.5-mile ride through the forested area, much of which is within the Fall River City Limits. The Bioreserve 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 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 can navigate over seventeen miles of trails. "There are a few rough spots, but the road is not horrible," noted Paul who cautioned those who did not have an off-road bike like his. Click here for a eighty-second video from the start of the ride. Click here to download a trail map of the Bioreserve. Click here for photos from a similar ride in 2013.

(Top two rows) Bike Fall River members Paul DeVillers and Mike Klek park their cars on the southern end of Riggenbach Road and talk as they wait for member Frank Menezes to arrive. (Rows three and four) Frank arrives and joins the group as they head down the extension of Wilson Road where the road runs into the Bioreserve. (Bottom row) The road goes past the North Watuppa Pond, which is the municipal water supply for Fall River, and the Tattapanum Trail entrance.