The rally is being hosted by WizWheelz, the manufacturer of recumbent tricycles, which is located in Hastings.

The event will be in Tyden Park along the Thornapple River, just north of downtown Hastings, on the west side of M-43, also called Broadway. M-43 is the main north-south route through Hastings.

The park has plenty of mature shade trees that protects the bike path that circles the park along the river. The park has covered picnic areas and restrooms.

Bicycle shops that sell recumbent cycles, manufacturers, and home builders will be in the park from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. At 1 p.m. an organized ride will start at the park, go along part of the National 24 Hour Challenge route to the Paul Henry Bike Trail and back, for a total of about 22 miles.

After the rally, participants may want to ride on part of the Kal-Haven Trail, with a group start at 5 p.m. at the Kalamazoo trailhead. Maps of the trail and how to get to the trailhead will be available at the rally site.

For information about lodging and attractions in the Kalamazoo area, visit www.kazoofun.com.

On Sunday, Sept. 12, is the Vineyard Classic Bicycle Tour, which starts in Paw Paw. The ride offers a choice of 22-, 39- and 60-mile routes through small towns and past orchards and vineyards. Registration is from 7 to 9 a.m. and “day of ride” registration is accepted ($15). The mass start for “Wine and Recline” riders is scheduled at 8:30.

Starting and parking is at the Van Buren County Human Services Building on Hazen St. From I-94, get off at the Paw Paw exit (exit 60), go north on Kalamazoo Street to Red Arrow Highway, then go left (west) to Hazen, which only goes north.

On Saturday, Sept. 18 is the Fall Recumbent Rendezvous at Stony Creek Metropark. More information is available at www.wolverbents.org/events/

Sadly, Bill Murphy of Carpentersville, Ill., died of a heart attack just after finishing the 1-kilometer time trial at the HPV race July 10 at the velodrome in Kenosha, Wisconsin. He was 51.

Bill had apparently participated in every Michigan HPV Rally since 1991 and he missed few, if any, other HPV races. In addition to cycles, he also built and raced pedal-powered boats. For more about Bill, go to www.recumbents.com/
wisil/murphy/billmurphy.htm.

On behalf of the MHPVA, secretary Paul Pancella wrote the following, which was on display at the wake for Bill:

To the family and friends of Bill Murphy: The officers and members of the Michigan Human Powered Vehicle Association wish to express our sincerest sympathies to Bill Murphy's family and friends on this sad occasion. Bill was a beloved comrade to all of us in the Michigan group, and we remember him fondly. We are extremely grateful for his enthusiastic support and participation at many events over the years, including the Waterford HPV rally and Hydrobowl. We greatly respect and honor his achievements and contributions to the world of human powered vehicles.

We'll miss you, buddy.