By Megan Bildner
Review Intern
Volunteers play a vital role in the growth and maintenance of the Polly Ann Trail.
The 14.2 mile-long trail connects the communities of Orion Township, Oxford Township, the Village of Oxford, Addison Township and the Village of Leonard. It follows the abandoned P.O. & N railroad corridor, and transverses through some of the most beautiful untouched landscape in northern Oakland County.
Juliane Bagley, trail mansger, said the Polly Ann Trail offers a safe place for recreation, exercise and an alternative transportation route for the people of northeast Oakland County. She went on to explain that it adds value to adjacent properties while local businesses benefit from the patronage of trail users.
‘The PAT allows urban residents the opportunity to experience nature and the outdoors as they may not be able to otherwise,? Bagley said. ‘The trail is available for local organizations to host their own fundraising events and offers the chance for volunteers to serve their community.?
The Polly Ann Trail Management Council would like to invite local residents to join them on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011, for the 13th Annual Rural Pearl Bike Ride. The event will take place on the Polly Ann Trail, beginning in Oxford and is sponsored by funding from the Brooksie Way Minigrant Program. Main Street Bicycles (Oxford) and Paint Creek Bicycles (Lake Orion) will host aid stations and other activities.
Participants have a choice of three routes ? 15, 30 or 48 miles ? on developed Oakland County Trails and through rural countryside and parkland. Riders may begin at 7 a.m. after registering in Oxford. Riders may also register online at www.pollyanntrailway.org.
Cost for participation is $20 for single riders and $35 for families. On-site registration and check-in is located at the Oxford Village Offices, 22 W. Burdick St. in downtown Oxford, from 7-11 a.m. on the day of the event.
Donations are also accepted, and checks made out to PATMC can be mailed to Polly Ann Trail, 23 E. Elmwood PO Box 112, Leonard, MI 48367. Registration fees and donations are tax deductible. Visit pollyanntrailway.org for