There may be snow on the ground, but it’s time to start thinking about the Tour de Francestown. Registration for the ride, which is June 7,  is now open. 

This is the fourth year of the 30- and 50- mile gravel and road rides, which are a fundraiser for Francestown’s Old Meeting House. Participants can register for the longer or the shorter rides. The ride is expanding registration to up to 200 this year. 

“The best thing about this ride is it takes you through just some really beautiful parts of town and surrounding towns,” said organizer Cyrena Arnold. “Last year, the road ride went up through Deering and Hillsborough, and the gravel ride went all through Francestown and Bennington. We may go out toward Hancock this year.”

The organizers are still determining the exact routes of the gravel and road rides. The ride is not a race, and all are welcome.

“It is ride at your own pace, all ages welcome. If families want to come out and kids can do a 30-mile gravel ride, that is fantastic,” Arnold said.

The registration fees includes lunch, beverages and beer for people over 21. The organizers also provide four water and snack stations along each route.  

“Last year, we got feedback that we needed more food, so we’ll have more food this year. We will have extra meal tickets available for people who want to bring their families and make it a family event for the afternoon,” Arnold said. “It’s all about ride hard in the morning and relax and have a great meal after.” 

Arnold said the Tour de Francestown has been growing in popularity since it started. 

“People really love our small-town setting and our beautiful scenery,” she said. “It is just a purely fun ride, and helps us put on free concerts for the community every summer; it’s our primary fundraiser.” 

The Francestown Old Meetinghouse supports community events throughout the year, including an annual holiday concert. The ride takes off from the parking lot of the Francestown Town Hall, across from the Old Meeting House. Funds from the ride support programming at the Old Meetinghouse, including Sunday afternoon concerts on the lawn. 

Participants can register at bikereg.com/2025-tour-de-francestown.