UniBank Blackstone River Valley Greenway Challenge
partners with local businesses and organizations for trail clean-up

For Immediate Release

In preparation for the September 25, 2010, with a rain date of October 2, 2010, the UniBank Blackstone River Valley Greenway Challenge hosting its 10^th annual adventure race, the Staff of Eastern Mountain Sports in the Millbury Store, members of Central Mass Team Bums and Volunteers from the Blackstone River Valley Greenway Challenge Logistics Committee joined together for a clean-up and trail preparation at the  mountain bike transition site on September 14, 2010.  

The efforts of the volunteers coupled with the donation of trash removal from High Rocks Condominiums resulted in the removal of one and one half dumpsters full of trash and debris from the site located between the Blackstone Gorge and High Rocks Condominiums, the former site of the Tupperware mill in North Smithfield, Rhode Island.  The site serves as this year’s transition site which takes athletes from a paddling - to mountain biking. The mountain bike leg has been carefully crafted to transition to  a street biking leg for this year’s event.

The mission of the UniBank Blackstone River Valley Greenway Challenge is to promote the recreational quality of life in the Blackstone River Valley. Working with partner organizations, the UniBank Greenway Challenge supports clean water campaigns, hiking and biking trails, wildlife projects, environmental education and development of waterway access.

 Each year a new course is introduced to the participants of the Greenway Challenge, leading them through the river ways, back roads and trials located throughout the Blackstone River Valley Region. The event is an adventure race, ………like no other, which brings participants, volunteers and spectators on a different course each year and includes segments involving biking, running and paddling, throughout the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor.

As a direct result of the existence of the Greenway Challenge and the logistics it requires, each year sections of bikeways, the Blackstone River, the Blackstone Canal and trails within the Blackstone River Valley regions are beautified, rid of debris and experience improved access and usability.  Collaborative efforts of organizations, volunteers, sponsors and participants yield quantifiable results.

Collectively all involved have helped to fulfill the mission of the Greenway Challenge.  Individually each person and group involved share experiences that result in both personal and regional impact . The end results to all involved may vary greatly on a personal level but the legacy left behind for those who joined together each year to make the UniBank Blackstone River Valley Greenway Challenge a reality remains constant.  Year after year this event leaves positive impacts on the region for people to enjoy now and for the enjoyment of the future generations to come.