Sponsored by the Francestown Old Meeting House, the Tour de Francestown bicycle ride is back on Saturday, May 20. Starting time is 9 a.m.

Melissa and Ed Dishong designed the 2023 event as a “gravel grinder.” The circuit includes a mixture of surfaces, mostly gravel roads, with some stretches of Class VI roads and a smattering of low-traffic pavement.

Two different levels of rides are offered. The shorter 25-mile ride goes through Francestown and Greenfield, while the 50-mile ride loops into Deering and features a total vertical variation of 5,000 feet. Both rides begin and end in the center of town.

Because of major tree damage caused by the March snowstorm, a team of volunteers from the Monadnock Cycling Club led by the Dishongs will clear the route of fallen trees and other debris before the day of the ride. The courses will be marked with arrows and cones, and maps will also be available via Strava and paper copies.

Helmets are required, and a bike-wash station will be available.

For information, go to bikereg.com/the-tour-de-francestown. The registration fee covers entry, on-course rest stops and food and beverage at the finish. The online registration deadline is Thursday, May 18, at 5 p.m.

All proceeds from the event will go toward the preservation and protection of the Francestown Old Meeting House.

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