The folks at Cambridge Water Department are giving locals the chance to merge fitness with environmental education in the upcoming 12th Annual Cycle to the Source. According to their announcement, this free public event will pedal out on September 20, giving participants an up-close gander at how the city's drinking water goes from watershed to water glass.
Starting from the Walter J. Sullivan Purification Facility at 250 Fresh Pond Parkway, the 32-mile bike tour is a way for Cambridge residents, prioritized because of the last year's high turnout, to view the watershed spanning across Cambridge-owned land in areas like Lincoln, Lexington, Weston, and Waltham. Meeting the CWD staff in a low-impact way, the tour is designed for adults to "see the watershed" and "meet the faces of the Cambridge Water Department watershed division." For those without a bike who are still keen to join in, rentals are available through Urban AdvenTours, who suggest marking your reservation with a note of "Cycle to the Source".
Aside from bringing together community and officials, the event offers a chance to discuss the nitty gritty of water supply, protection, transportation, and treatment processes in a fresh and engaging way. Whether it be the fresh air or the educational pit-stops at local reservoirs and dams, the event has previously left attendees with a greater appreciation and understanding of the delicate balance between land use and water quality. Spots are given first to Cambridge residents and newcomers as a way to manage the awesome amount of interest received last year.
For those interested in participating from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, registration is required. It is important that all cyclists come prepared with a working bike, helmet, lunch, and water—a map and more details on the day can be found on the Cambridge Water Department's website. Should Mother Nature have other plans, a rain date is set for Sunday, September 21st, ensuring that your pedals to potability are merely postponed.
