It’s a milestone year for the Deerfield Dirt Road Randonnée (D2R2).
This Saturday’s long distance cycling event in Deerfield marks its 20th anniversary, as the Randonnée was founded in 2005 by Sandy Whittlesey. It has grown since that time, and now attracts over 1,500 riders each year.
It’s the scenic routes that bring people back, as the ride is known for its rugged climbs and pastoral views.
The ride began as an 180-kilometer race and now features eight options: the 180K, a 160K ride, a 100K ride, a 105K that runs to Rowe, a 92K, a 48-mile ride down the Green River, a 12-mile family ride and a new mystery ride that will be 200 kilometers. Some rides are for novice bikers and others are for the world’s strongest.
All the rides kick off at Mill Village Road in Deerfield and run through the quietest, most scenic roads in Franklin County, with some stretching into Vermont. Due to road closures and weather, the routes of each race could change right up until Saturday.
The race is an organizer for the Franklin Land Trust, a local nonprofit working to conserve farms, forests and open space in the region. Proceeds from D2R2 directly support the Franklin Land Trust’s conservation efforts across Western Mass.
“D2R2 is a celebration of everything that makes this region unique — its scenic rural landscapes, strong sense of community, and the deep-rooted connection to the land through farming, food, and outdoor recreation,” Executive Director of the Franklin Land Trust Mary Lynn Sabourin said in a press release. “As we mark 20 years, we thank the thousands of riders and supporters who have played a vital role in conserving the rural character of western Massachusetts.”
The ride is looking for volunteers to assist with morning parking, merchandise, recycling and rider support. Volunteers who register to ride the event will receive discounted registration.
To volunteer visit https://volunteersignup.org/BM9YJ and to register to ride visit https://www.bikereg.com/d2r2.