Take part in a scenic bike ride on July 5 that explores the towns and landscapes from Gardiner to Bath. This 38-mile ride starts at Gardiner's Waterfront Park and ends at Bath's Heritage Days celebration.

Check-in is from 8:15 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. at McMann Field in Bath. Bikers will load their bikes and board the bus for Gardiner. Bikers can also meet and check-in at Waterfront Park in Gardiner at 9:20 a.m. The ride will leave Gardiner at 9:30 a.m.

Both experienced and novice bikers are welcome. The ride will include frequent stops to rest and regroup, and the expected pace is 10 to 12 mph. The route passes through the towns of Gardiner, Richmond, Bowdoinham, Topsham, Brunswick, West Bath and Bath.

The event is free if participants arrange their own transportation and $10 for participants who take the bus from Bath to Gardiner. Please pre-register for the ride by June 27. Contact Ruth Indrick at rindrick@kennebecestuary.org or 207-442-8400 to register or check out more information about the ride at merrymeetingtrail.org/events.html.

Along the ride, participants will enjoy scenic views of the rivers that flow into Merrymeeting Bay. Stops will be made at the town centers to allow riders to explore and enjoy what they have to offer (and find some tasty snacks to munch on during the ride). There will be a chance to learn about bike trails planned in the region, visit a local bakery, drop by a farmer's market, wander in to an art center, and stop for lunch. The ride ends in Bath in the midst of Bath Heritage Days celebrations. Enjoy an ice cream, stroll through the huge library book sale, check out arts and crafts, visit the carnival rides, or relax and listen to music in Waterfront Park.