14th Annual Mattapan on Wheels: Green and Blue Spaces

Ride with Mattapan Food and Fitness Coalition (MFFC) and the Neponset River Watershed Association (NEPWA) as you experience the breathtaking beauty of Mattapan and surrounding communities on wheels!

This year, our bike routes are designed to guide riders through the most stunning green and blue spaces the area has to offer. Immerse yourself in nature as you pedal to locales like the lush Edgewater Food Forest, explore the sandy shores of Tenean Beach, and the scenic paths of the Blue Hills with its charming Trailside Museum. Each turn and trail promises picturesque views and the refreshing embrace of the great outdoors. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with nature and community in an unforgettable ride through Boston.

At the end of the bike ride, learn more about MFFC's and our partners walking, biking, and public transit advocacy efforts, experience delicious food from local food trucks, and enjoy the sounds of music as you connect with your fellow riders.

Rain Date: Saturday, July 27, 2024

Time: 8:00am-2:00pm

Cost: FREE!

Age: 8+ (12 and under w/adult)

Registration ends as follows:

• Saturday, July 13 if you need a bike
• Saturday, July 20 if you don't need a bike
• I f you have a bike and didn't register by July 20, you can register on event day

Ways to donate:

Eventbrite Page - https://mattapanonwheels14.eventbrite.com.This is our registration page. You can donate whatever amount you choose.

Checks - Make checks out to Third Sector New England Inc and put Mattapan Food and Fitness Coalition in the memo. TSNE is our fiscal agent.

Send checks to Shavel'le Olivier - 1613 Blue Hill Ave, Suite 307, Mattapan, MA 02126

Day of - Cash and digital donations can be received on event day, which is July 27, 2024!

Sponsorships:

This year, you have the opportunity to sponsor Mattapan on Wheels! Partner with us to:

• be part of a movement to promote bike culture and healthy active living in Mattapan
• keep MoW free and open to the public by covering the costs to run the event
• raise awareness and support the exploration of the beautiful green spaces such as connection to the Blues Hills in Mattapan by bike

Sponsorship forms are due by June 26 at 12pm EST. See the for more info! Questions? Contact us, [email protected]

Routes:

Sandy Shores Ride: 8 miles. Destination: Tenean Beach, Dorchester

Map: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/36711319

This is a very green and scenic route. Participants on this ride will be able to ride the completed Neponset Trail starting in Mattapan. The route is 90% flat and mostly on a walking/biking path. There is a small hill at Pope John Paul II Park .

Why this route: Some residents, such as our young people, don't have the privilege of owning a car to get to beaches, amoung other reasons. Knowing that there is a freeing way to get to a local beach is life changing!

Food Forest Tour: 10 miles. Destination: Boston Nature Center, Mattapan

Map: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46643508

This route is mostly on main roads and neighborhood streets as we make our way to three food forests: Edgewater, the Boston Nature Center, and Ellington. At each stop, community stewards will share the history of that particular food forest, riders will be able to take a tour of the space, and possibly enjoy some treats.

Why this route: Food forests also provide delicious seasonal foods and safe, natural spaces for neighbors to gather, and are distinct from community gardens in various ways — mainly that they are initiated, built, and cared for by neighborhood volunteers (called ‘stewards’) who enjoy the spaces without reserving or paying for use in advance. MFFC has had the pleasure of supporting the Edgewater Neighborhood Association in building the Edgewater Food Forest that opened its doors on May 17, 2023 to the public.

Projects: Visit the Boston Food Forest Coalition website

Blue Hills Ride: 14 miles. Destination: Trailside Museum, Milton

Map: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46136308

This is a very green and scenic route. Riders will start their journey on the Neponset River Greenway Trail and make their way to Mattapan Station. From there we will cross over to the Milton side heading to Truman Parkway. We will continue our journey to Unquity Road, passing the skating rink until we reach Houghton's Pond. We will keep riding until we reach the Trailside Museum.

This route is mostly flat, with some hills in between. We will be crossing Route 128.

Why this route: Parks and green spaces contribute to community benefits by fostering social cohesion. They serve as vital spaces for interaction, cultural expression, and civic engagement, enhancing community ties and individual health outcomes. They offer crucial developmental benefits for youth, such as environmental education, mental health improvement, and confidence-building activities.

Projects: Unlocking the Blue Hills, Boston to Blue Hills

Volunteering:

• Ride support - https://forms.gle/qFSVWUBsyNZBakvz5
• Onsite (set up, breakdown, registration table, etc) - coming soon!

Thank you to our volunteer planning committee this year:

Ish H. (youth)

Emeila A.

Dave L.

Matthew T.

Ella F.

Suzanne H.

Molly Z.

Thank you to our co-host:

Neponset River Watershed Association

The Neponset River Watershed Association works to clean and protect the Neponset River, as well as increase access to surrounding greenspaces. NepRWA is committed to making the watershed more resilient to climate change, improving water quality and restoring habitats for native species, and increasing recreational and access opportunities for all of our communities.

Thank you to our partners:

Bikes Not Bombs

Boston Cyclists Union

Thank you to our sponsors:

City of Boston - Boston Transportation Department

Boston Public Health Commission

Greater Mattapan Neighborhood Council

Point32Health

Thank you to our funders:

Brigham + Women's Hospital

Barr Foundation

Boston Children's Hospital

Any Questions? Contact Us!

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: Mattapan Food and Fitness Coalition Vigorous Youth

Mattapan Food and Fitness Coalition

Twitter: @MattapanFoodFit

Instagram: @MattapanFoodFit

Website: mattapanfoodandfit.org

Linkedin: Mattapan Food and Fitness Coalition

Host or Publisher Mattapan Food and Fitness Coalition